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J LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. J 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE 

UNIQUE, 

A BOOK OF ITS OWN KIND: 

CONTAINING A VARIETY OF 

HINTS, 

THROWN OUT IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, 

FOR 

EVANGELICAL MINISTERS, CHURCHES, 
AND CHRISTIANS, 



GREGORY GODO 




" Look in this mirror and behold thy face." 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY JOHN PUTNAM. 

81 Cornhill. 

1844. 



i# 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1844, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the District 

of Massachusetts. 



CONTENTS. 



Preface, v 

Chap. I. The Ministry of Rev. Hezekiah Blue- 

ville, 1 

Chap. II. Rev. Paul H. Clarendon, . . 13 
Chap. III. An Anti-Slavery Dialogue, . . 21 
Chap. IV. Rev. Theophilus Merton, . . 30 
Chap. V. A Burlesque Letter, . . .38 
Chap. VI. Henry Greedy, .... 46 
Chap. VII. A Colloquy in Deacon Stephen 

Martin's Store, 55 

Chap. VIII. Mr. Pompoloni, ... 66 

Chap. IX. Rev. Yates Yerrington, . . 74 
Chap. X. Colonel Richard Forrester, . . 82 
Chap. XI. Temperance Interview, . . 97 
Chap. XII. The Contrast — Ugly Deacon Brake ; 

Good Deacon Drake, .... 104 
Chap. XIH Rev. James Jenkinson Jenkins, . 110 



IV CONTENTS. 

Chap. XIV. Cheating by Churches, as Church- 
es, .. , 117 

Chap. XV. Rev. Christopher Fickle, . . 125 

Chap. XVI. Extracts from the Diary of Rev. 

Barzillai Barmley, 133 

Chap. XVIL Letter from Rev. Tobias Sincere 

to Rev. Asa Agar, upon Evangelism, . 145 

Chap. XVIII. Horse-Shed Conversation, . 159 

Chap. XIX. Obadiah Keedle, ... 166 

Chap. XX. Certain Members of Certain Church- 
es, 181 

Chap. XXI. Conversation between Rev. Mark 

Colewood and Rev. Ezekiel J. Melrose, 199 

Chap. XXII. Rev. Thomas Thompson Tomp- 

kinson, 217 

Conclusion, 230 



PREFACE. 



"Of making many books there is no end.' 7 
Thus spake king Solomon, and if he had lived 
in this day, he probably would have seen no 
reason to alter this opinion. Has not this age 
somewhere been called a book-making age ? 
Every one, however, who makes a book, 
whether from his own brain, or from other 
men's productions, has some motive or mo- 
tives for doing so. The writer of this volume 
was actuated by certain motives in preparing 
it, which were entirely satisfactory to his own 
mind ; but he does not apprehend that it will 
particularly subserve the cause of truth to 
make known to the public what these motives 

A* 



VI PREFACE. 

were. Therefore the readers of the Unique 
may ascribe to the author such motives as their 
good sense may dictate. If they give him the 
credit of good motives, he will be glad ; if bad, 
he will be sorry ; but yet not sorry that he 
wrote the book. 

If you say to a poet that a certain thing, in 
any of his productions, is improper, or inaccu- 
rate, or offends good taste, or find any kind of 
fault — he answers, "Oh, that is allowed by 
poetic license." Poetic license is a curious 
sort of a character. He throws the mantle of 
charity over many things that, otherwise, 
would suffer by exposure. 

The author of this work thinks that he 
ought to be indulged with a sort of poetic li- 
cense ; and that the fault-finders should all re- 
member that the book is unique — a book of its 
own kind — unlike other books — and therefore 
great and charitable allowance should be made. 
He cannot see why he should not escape on 
the ground of an unique license, as well as the 



PREFACE. Vll 

poet on the ground of a poetic license. How- 
ever, as some may be unwilling to grant him 
any such license, he would say, that should 
any fastidious readers object to the language 
used by any of the characters that figure in 
this book, they must remember that it is un- 
reasonable to make the author responsible for 
the language of every church member. He 
does not keep a school to teach them, and he 
did not deem it his duty to correct them. 
They must talk in their own way. Should 
any say, No man ever reasoned as foolishly as 
some in this book are said to have done, the 
writer would not contradict such, but, gently 
begging their pardon, would take the liberty to 
remark that they are mistaken. He knows of 
facts that would perfectly satisfy any ingenuous 
minded man, that some church members rea- 
soned, or, more properly, talked, even more 
foolishly than any of the talkers in this book. 

Possibly, some may object to the repre- 
sentations herein contained, and say they do 



Vlll PREFACE. 

notfairly describe evangelical ministers, church- 
es and Christians.* Two things the writer 
would request the objector to keep in kind re- 
membrance. First, that he nowhere intimates 
that these representations are applicable to all 
cases. Second, that if the objector does not 
know of cases to which they are applicable, 
others may. The objector is not competent 
to decide this point, unless he is acquainted 
w T ith all the evangelical ministers, churches and 
Christians in the United States. It may be a 
very easy thing for him to say, the picture is 
overdrawn, but it would be a very difficult mat- 
ter to prove it. It may be objected to the 
contents of the Unique, that they expose too 
many things in the religious world. Gentle 
objector, remember, worldly men know all 
these things, and complain that religious peo- 
ple try to cover them up. They certainly 

*It is possible for a man to be a Christian, and 
maintain a course not strictly evangelical. 



PREFACE. 



IX 



will think none the worse of Christians, if they 
speak and write about the evils in the church, 
and by so doing, try to bring about a more evi- 
dent consistency between the Christian profes- 
sion and practice. 

It may be said that in some of the narratives, 
matters are introduced that do not strictly be- 
long there. That is true ; but in all such in- 
stances there was a special object in view, and 
it would make too long a story for the writer 
to explain, in each instance, what that object 
was. Having said thus much, he leaves his 
readers to find whatever fault they please. 

Should any persons suppose they are repre- 
sented by any of the characters herein drawn, 
the author can only say, they know much bet- 
ter than he does, how nearly these characters 
correspond with their own, and if they find 
coats that fit them, he would on no account 
whatever, take the responsibility of saying they 
must not wear them. Rather will it be his 
prayer, that in wearing them they may find 



X PREFACE. 

much comfort; that they may warm them, as 
well as cover them ; and prove useful and well- 
fitting garments. He does not say that he had 
any persons in view, but should any think so, 
he would by no means interfere with their free- 
dom of opinion. 

No doubt there will be a difference of opin- 
ion in reference to the Unique. While some 
may think it was called for, and came just in 
the nick of time, others may think it was un- 
called for, and had better been burned than 
published. Probably some cautious, prudent 
brethren will wisely shrug the shoulders, and 
still more wisely shake the head, and say, I 
am rather afraid of its influence ; and others, 
perhaps, will say, I think it will prove useful. 
At any rate, I am willing it should be read, 
and then leave it to a higher power to take 
care of its influence. 

" Some said, John, print it, others said, not so. 
Some said, it might do good, others said, no. n 



PREFACE. XI 

Many ministers, churches, and private 
Christians can take useful hints from this book, 
if they choose ; and if they do not choose to 
do so, the responsibility will lie at their own 
door. Should any individuals take a hint from 
it, that should exert a good practical influence 
upon their lives, the writer will be perfectly 
satisfied with that, and will cheerfully let them 
think of him and his book in any manner that 
will be most comfortable to themselves. 

People often speak, when discussing the 
merits of any publication, as if this world were 
all in all. We should remember that there is 
another world, of much more importance to 
us than this. The writer has tried to keep 
this fact in view. 

Had he written merely to please, he would 
have taken a different subject ; or, at least, he 
would have omitted much that this volume 
contains. 

Unique Street, Castle Terrace, ) 
November 9th, 1843. S 



THE UNiaUE 



CHAPTER L 



THE MINISTRY OF REV, HEZEKIAH BLUEVILLE. 

" A man he was to all the country dear." 

On a mild and balmy day towards the close 
of the summer of 18 — , just as the sun was 
beginning to peep over the mountains, arid 
scatter by his genial rays the mists that had 
shrouded the valley of A • - , two young men 
with quickened pace were hurrying along the 
somewhat winding and romantic road of that 
valley, and rapidly lessening the distance be- 
tween them and the pleasant village of B , 

nothing of which could as yet be discerned, 
but the spire of its neat and pretty church. 

Something in their looks, as the bland 
1 



2 THE UNIQUE. 

zephyrs of the mom threw back their flurried 
and flowing locks, denoted a sorrowful earnest- 
ness, which, with the celerity of their move- 
ments, plainly evinced that they had some 
object before them of more than ordinary in- 
terest. Not a word was spoken. In silence 
they hastened onward, and the stillness of the 
vale, save when broken now and then by the 
clear, sweet carol of some morning songster, 
seemed so pensively in accordance with the 
feelings of the brothers, for brothers they were, 
that both were reluctant to invade it by the 
sounds of the human voice. In this way they 
reached the village, and then they spoke not ; 
not even to those who were going forth to the 
labors of the day ; but quickly passing nearly 
the whole length of its beautiful green, on both 
sides of which stately trees were gently waving 
their rich and luxuriant foliage, they for a mo- 
ment stopped. Then opening the gate of a 
small front yard tastily adorned with flowers 
of every hue, giving off their sweetest fragrance 
to the morning air, they noiselessly trod its 
little walk. With trembling hand the latch of 
the door was raised, and then half smothered 
notes of mourning fell upon their ears. The 



REV. MR. BLUEVILLE S MINISTRY. 3 

tones of a sister's voice were heard, but alas, 
how changed ! How different from those 
blithe and joyous tones with which she had in- 
variably greeted them on previous visits to 
their home. 

Vainly endeavoring to subdue her grief, how 
mournfully did she cry, "Oh James, Oh 
Henry, dear father has gone ; he is dead ! he 
is dead ! !" 

We will not detain the reader at the house 
of mourning. We will not dwell upon the 
anguish of the brothers, the sister, the mother, » 
the whole family. Suffice it to say, he whom 
they now mourned was a man of God, a min- 
ister of the gospel, a father in Israel. As he 
had lived, so he died, trusting in Christ alone 
for salvation; and when "heart and flesh failed 
him," his Redeemer did not desert him, but 
by "his rod and his staff comforted him" as 
he passed "through the valley of the shadow 
of death." 

Rev. Hezekiah Blueville was settled in 

A , in 17 — — ; and if he had remained on 

earth but one month more, he would have 
been the pastor of the church in that village 
forty-seven years. Being but twenty-four 



4 THE UNIQUE. 

years of age when ordained as the spiritual 
guide of his people, he gave them the vigor of 
his youth, the strength of his ripened manhood, 
and the experience of his age. He ardently 
loved his flock, and desired no greater blessing 
than to "spend and be spent" in doing good 
among them. Cheerfully did he labor "in 
season and out of season," to benefit the pre- 
cious, deathless souls committed to his charge ; 
and many and earnest were his prayers that these 
labors might not be in vain. His prayers icere 
heard ; these labors were not in vain ; God sig- 
nally blessed them, and honored him as the 
instrument of leading his own people in the 
" right way" and of turning many sinners to 
righteousness, who doubtless will shine as gems 
in his brilliant crown forever. 

If the pastor loved his people, among whom 
he thus was blessed, it may of a truth be said 
that the people sincerely loved their pastor. 
Although the greater portion of those who 
composed the church and congregation at the 
time of his ordination had entered the world 
beyond the tomb, there were a little remnant 
of his own age, and still a few more who were 
nearly as far advanced in life as himself, re* 



REV. MR. BLUEV1LLE S MINISTRY. O 

maining at the day of his death. These cher- 
ished feelings of the highest regard and truest 
affection for their devoted pastor ; and those that 
were younger, even down to the children, loved 
and reverenced this holy servant of the Lord. 

"Ev'n children followed with endearing wile, 
And plucked his gown to share the good man's 
smile." 

As a preacher, he was plain, earnest and im- 
pressive, always delivering sermons that inter- 
ested, and which, at the same time, clearly 
disclosed the fact that his object was not so 
much to gain the applause of the people, as 
it w T as to do them good, and thereby secure 
the approbation of his God. 

Perhaps scarcely any minister would come 
nearer Cowper's familiar description of a good 
preacher. 

" Simple, grave, sincere, 
In doctrine uncomipt, in language plain, 
And plain in manner ; decent, solemn, chaste, 
And natural in gesture ; much impressed 
Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, 
And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds 
May feel it too ; affectionate in look, 
And tender in address, as well becomes 
A messenger of grace to guilty men." 
1* 



6 THE UNIQUE. 

Probably the only thing in his preaching that 
might be objectionable to some of our own 
time was, that a large portion of his sermons 
were of a doctrinal character ; not dry doctrinal 
discussions ; but doctrine so judiciously blend- 
ed with precept and practical teaching, that it 
seldom failed to instruct and edify his hearers, 
whether such would be its effect upon some of 
the present clay, or not. 

As he was very methodical in all his ar- 
rangements, and kept a diary, an account of 
his preaching, baptisms, marriages, funerals, 
expenditures, &c, we are able to give some 
details, which will show, to some extent at 
least, the labors and usefulness of this venera- 
ble Christian minister. 

He preached in his own meeting-house 4073 times. 

In school-houses in his own parish 2304 " 

In private houses in his own parish 1211 " 

In other towns, on all occasions 1097 " 



8685 
He baptized among his own people and in 
other places during his ministry, 1503 individ- 
uals. He married 1347 couples, $nd attended 
1918 funerals. The church numbered 91 
when he was settled, and 279 when he died, 



REV. MR. BLUEVILLE S MINISTRY. 7 

Any one considering further the prayer and 
conference and church meetings he must have 
attended, ministers' meetings, associational and 
other meetings abroad, ordinations, installa- 
tions, dedications, &c, in which he must have 
participated, pastoral visitation, parochial calls, 
time occupied in study, and the cares and du- 
ties necessarily attendant upon a large family — 
any one, we say, considering all these things, 
will see that his long life must have been dili- 
gently occupied in the sphere in which Provi- 
dence had placed him. It is proper here to 
remark, that there were eleven seasons of 
special out-pourings of the Spirit under his la- 
bors, — eleven glorious revivals, when great 
numbers were converted to God, and when, 
consequently, his cares and anxieties were 
greatly increased. 

The salary that this useful minister of Jesus 
received, was at first $300 a year; and it was 
increased from time to time by the choice of 
his people, till it amounted to $500. It 
averaged during the 47 years, $425, which 
amounted to $19,975 

Marriage fees, 2,428 

$22,403 



8 THE UNIQUE. 

This $22,403, with money presented, and 
small sums obtained for occasional services in 
other places, which in all might have amounted 
to $1000 more, with discreet and commenda- 
ble economy comfortably maintained his family, 
and enabled him to bring up his children in a 
manner alike honorable to his good sense and 
piety. In this connexion, however, we 
should add that his kind people presented him 
with clothing, fuel, vegetables, hay, and other 
useful articles, to the value of, as near as he 
could judge, $75 or $S0 a year. Being af- 
fectionately attached to him and his, they took 
delight in bringing their free-w T ill offerings to 
his house. 

Such were his resources ; and with a gene- 
rous heart, his hand was ever open to supply 
the wants of the needy and the suffering : he 
was also a liberal donor to the different benev- 
olent societies of his day. He educated two 
of his sons, who as scholars ranked high in the 
university. One of them is now a minister of 
the gospel in a neighboring state, and the other 
is an eminent physician, with a large and suc- 
cessful practice, in one of our Atlantic cities. 
The two sons referred to at the commence- 



REV. MR. BLUEVILLE S MINISTRY. 9 

ment of this narrative, were pursuing their 
studies in an academy, preparatory for college, 
at the time of their father's decease. 

As he never felt that he needed more salary 
than his people of their own accord cheerfully 
paid him, he never asked for more; and al- 
though he had repeated calls from other 
churches, where larger sums were offered, he 
promptly declined them all. Once receiving 
a call from a city church, which tendered him 
what in those days seemed an exorbitant salary, 
and in which many inducements were men- 
tioned for him to leave the country, and take 
the oversight of the large church in the city, 
some of his members expressed strong fears 
that he would accept the invitation. However, 
they had not as yet learned what was his spirit 
and character ; and he settled the matter on 
the following Sabbath to their entire satisfac- 
tion. After mentioning the call, and the va- 
rious reasons urged therein for his acceptance 
of the same, he said, " Brethren, 1 shall not 
leave you as long as you will keep me ; for 
here I wish to live, here I wish to die, and 
here I wish to be buried." Many were so 
much affected that they could not refrain from 



10 THE UNIQUE. 

tears of joy ; being so suddenly and so agreea- 
bly relieved from their burden of anxiety, 
by this affectionate and decisive declaration. 
Though beloved before, this seemed to en- 
dear him still more to his people. 

Neither greater emoluments, nor a field 
more inviting to a minister desiring popularity, 
could shake his resolution to remain with his 
first and only charge. In some of the places 
to which he was strongly solicited, his talents 
undoubtedly would have gained him more re- 
nown, but he was satisfied with the honor that 
he did receive, and neither sought nor cared 
for greater. 



" Remote from towns he ran his godly race, 
■ e'er ha 
place." 



Nor e'er had changed nor wished to change his 



One of our oldest colleges conferred upon him 
the degree of D. D., but he meekly declined 
it, deeming it unadvisable to make distinctions 
among ministering brethren, and saying, "that 
after all the palliating reasons urged in defence, 
it was nothing more nor less than being called 
Rabbi, which the Saviour commands his min- 
isters never to be called." 



REV. MR. BLUEVILLE 3 S MINISTRY. 11 

But his race is run. He has fought the 
good fight, and has finished his work on the 
earth. Vigorous and active, though upwards 
of threescore and ten, "his eye not being 
dim, nor his natural force abated," he was sud- 
denly cut down in the midst of his usefulness. 
After faithfully preaching the precious truths 
of the gospel on a Sabbath morning from the 
words, u For me to live is Christ, and to die 
is gain," and expatiating upon the Christian's 
blissful inheritance with unusual fervor and an- 
imation, little realizing how soon he should be 
a partaker of that inheritance, he was violently 
seized with an alarming disorder ; and as the 
sun of the succeeding day was serenely going 
down beneath the western horizon, he sweetly 
fell asleep in Jesus, and w T as borne to his 
home in heaven. The grass has now grown 
over his grave. The marble erected by his 
congregation (for they would erect it, and all 
were so desirous of doing something towards 
it that no one was allowed to pay but a trifle) 
points out his grave from the others. And 
be it remembered he went down to that "grave 
in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh 
in in his season"— honored by all— and his 



1& THE UNIQUE. 

memory deeply enshrined in the hearts of his 
people. 

Oh who does not wish, when we contem- 
plate such ministers and churches, that minis- 
ters and people now would love each other 
more — would live together and labor together 
till death dissolves the union — instead of the 
exciting, turbulent, ever-shifting scenes that in 
this day are so painfully frequent in Zion. 



&£\\ PAUL H. CLARENDON. 13 



CHAPTER II. 

REV. PAUL H. CLARENDON. 

tiev. Mr. Clarendon was settled in a large 
manufacturing town of New England, in 1835$ 
over the Orthodox Corigregationalist church, 
which at that time numbered 237 members. 
He was pleased with his people, and they 
were apparently satisfied with their minister. 
The congregation, which had considerably 
dwindled at the time of Mr. Clarendon's set- 
tlement, in consequence, to some extent 
doubtless, of the church being destitute of a 
pastor for nearly a year, began to increase 
under his ministrations, and has continued on 
the increase up to the present time ; and now 
their commodious house of worship is filled 
with attentive hearers. He has also been 
blessed with two delightful revivals, and has 
had the satisfaction of adding more than 100 
to the church. 

The salary Mr. Clarendon at first received, 
2 



14 THE UNiaUE. 

was $650 a year, which was considered by 
the majority of the church quite a liberal 
amount ; although they were a wealthy people, 
and several of them lived at the rate of $2000 
a year. They knew, however, that their 
minister could not possibly live more than de- 
cently on this salary. By contriving, he 
could go along so as to obtain food and clothing 
for his family, and keep out of debt ; and that 
was all he could do. There were several 
theological books that he felt were needed 
upon the shelves of his library, but he could 
not purchase them, as his income would not 
allow it. 

Some of his church members were so deeply 
impressed with the belief that the Lord would 
not keep him humble unless they kept him 
poor, that they were very anxious that his sal- 
ary should be reduced. Accordingly one of 
them, Ira Jenifer, moved in a church meeting 
not very fully attended, in the year 1838, 
"that the salary of our pastor be reduced to 
$600." This man, whose family was not as 
large as his minister's, and who spent his 
$1300 a year, and yet thought he lived quite 
economically, said, "I am really afraid our 



REV. PAUL H. CLARENDON. 



15 



minister is getting too rich. I think he might 
live on less money with comfort ; and if he 
cannot, it is because he is too extravagant." 
This " consistent jewel" of a brother consid- 
ered it very proper that he should keep two 
fine, high spirited horses, and several kinds of 
riding vehicles which he used but little ; but he 
thought it was highly improper for Mr. Claren- 
don to keep one poor old horse and chaise, 
to visit his parishioners who lived in the out- 
skirts of the town; "for," said he in this 
meeting, "I see no reason for this unnecessary 
expense, as our minister is a strong, healthy 
man, and is able to walk for all purposes of 
visiting." He also said, "I never thought it 
well to give ministers large salaries. The fact 
is, human nature is human nature ,* and they 
cannot bear it. The more money they have, 
the less faithful they are.f Now Mr. Dangley, 



# As no one will probably dispute this sage remark, 
those who may desire a particular explication of 
Ira Jenifer's views, must go to him, as the writer 
does not feel competent to explain for him. 

f If this rule is correct, and works both ways, then 
it follows that the less money a minister has, the 



16 THE UNIQUE. 

in the city of , has §2000, and preaches 

twice a week; our minister has $650, and 
preaches three times a week; and if he had but 
$400, I suppose he would preach four times a 
week; therefore I go for reducing the salary of 
our pastor." 

Another brother of very limited views said, 
"I work hard all the week, and receive for 
my labor only about $200 a year ; and I don't 
see why our minister, who works only on Sun- 
day, should be paid such a great salary." 

Another one said, " It has been a source of 
vexation to me that we have to pay so much 
to ministers. When I look at our church, 
and see how many of us have to labor for our 
bread, and how many hours each day those of 
us work who are in the factories, I must say 
it makes me feel unpleasantly to be compelled 
to pay such a heavy salary." This man re- 
ceived $400 a year, as an overseer in the fac- 
tory, and paid five dollars a year towards the 
salary ; while some of the females who worked 

more faithful be will be ; consequently the only way 
to make a minister wholly consecrated to his work, 
is to deprive him entirely of money. 



REV. PAUL H. CLARENDON. 



17 



in his room, and received about three dollars 
a week, paid $10, $15, and even $20 towards 
it. Another said, " I think the salary is small 
enough. Many ministers less worthy than our 
devoted pastor receive much more. I would 
with all my heart vote to raise the salary $50 
more, and pay my part towards it; but breth- 
ren, I feel that I should act a mean and con- 
temptible part, if I should vote to reduce it 
$50." This man was a day laborer, and paid 
$8 towards the salary. He studied his Bible 
much, and said "that taught him not to c muz- 
zle the mouth of the ox when he treadeth out 
the corn.' " 

Said another, "I believe our minister is a 
man of God, and labors for the good of souls ; 
and I have never thought that we paid him any 
too much for his labors. I cannot conscien- 
tiously vote for a reduction of the salary." 

However, the motion was carried by a 
small majority, and a record made of it upon 
the books of the church. 

The next day Mrs. Clarendon said to her 
husband, "I think it was too bad in the church 
passing that vote last night. If T were you, I 
would resign at once ; I would not stay with 



18 THE UNIQUE. 

such a church ; that I wouldn't." Mr. Claren- 
don meekly replied, for he was a very pious 
and humble man, "My dear, I think we had 
better take no notice of it at all ; we can get 
along you know, for as good Oliver Heywood 
used to say, 

'When cruise and barrel both are dry, 
We still will trust in God most high.' " 

Mrs. Clarendon was really a good woman, 
and gave abundant evidence that she loved the 
Saviour ; but she had considerable of that 
which some call spirit, and others call spunk ; 
and she tartly answered, "get along! — no, I 
don't know that we can get along. I'm sure 
we have had to set our wits at work to econo- 
mize in every possible way, to get along on 
what we have had ; and now it is cut short $50, 
I don't see how we shall get along at all. Be- 
sides, you know I told you the other day we 
must have a girl this summer, for sister and I 
cannot do all the work any longer. I am 
most dead now, and it won't lake long to finish 
me if I've got to work at this rate." 

"I guess," answered her imperturbably 



REV. PAUL H. CLARENDON. 19 

mild husband, "the Lord will take care of us. 
I do not feel much concerned about it." 

" Concerned /" retorted Mrs. C, with con- 
siderable feeling, "I never saw any one like 
you — concerned! why, you wouldn't be con- 
cerned at anything. I don't believe you would 
be concerned if the house was on fire." "Oh 
yes I should, rny dear," replied Mr. C, with 
undisturbed equanimity. "I should at any 
rate feel concerned to get you and the children 
out, and also my library ; for poor as it is, I 
cannot afford to lose it." "Well, at any 
rate," said Mrs. C, "if I were you I would 
not stay here. I wouldn't be treated so 
shamefully. I wish you had more spirit^ and 
would let the people know you were not going 
to be abused in this manner. Other ministers 
wouldn't bear it, and why must you ?" 

Mr. Clarendon in this case did not follow 
the advice of his wife, although he often did in 
other cases. He kept along in his course just 
as he had done, working for his Master with- 
out saying a word about salary ; and the sequel 
will show that he lost nothing, but rather 
gained in temporal things, by this vote of the 
church. Several of the more able brethren in 



20 THE UNIQUE. 

pecuniary matters felt so aggrieved, that they 
made up a purse for him among themselves, 
of $135, and presented it to him in about three 
weeks after the above mentioned vote was 
carried. It seemed also providential, that 
within a few weeks of this time, a gentleman 
came on from New York, to take unto himself 
his affianced wife, a daughter of one of the 
church members, to whom he had been betrothed 
some two years or more. This gentleman 
was a wealthy merchant ; and being quite flush 
of money just then, Mr. Clarendon received 
as his marriage fee a $50 bill. 

At the beginning of the year IS39 the church 
passed a vote to increase the salary of their 
minister $100; consequently since that time 
he has been receiving $700 a year; and Mrs. 
Clarendon says that u now they are getting 
along very well." 



AN AiXTI-SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



21 



CHAPTER III. 



AN ANTI-SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



Scene. — A pastor's study. Rev. Dennis 
Blackenburn seated at his table, and busily en- 
gaged in preparing a sermon upon the exciting 
topics of the age, to preach in New York city, 
before the , at the spring [anniver- 
saries. Enter Peter Farrington, a man about 
forty years of age, who has been a member of 
Mr. Blackenburn's church eleven years. 

F. Excuse me for interrupting you, but I 
feel so much interested in the subject we had; 
a few words about last evening at br. Smith's, 
that I want to talk with you further about it, if 
you can spare the time. 

B. It is true I am somewhat busy, but yet 
I am ready to hear what you have to say. 

F. I will come then to the point at once, 
and ask you a question I have long wanted to 
ask you ; and that is, do you, ray dear pastor^ 
conscientiously think that your course in refer- 



22 THE UNIQUE. 

ence to the anti-slavery cause has been sucli 
as God can approve ? 

B. Certainly, certainly I do, or I should 
have taken a different course. 

F. It may be that I am wrong, but for a 
long time I have felt that you were not acting 
consistently as a minister of the gospel, in re- 
ference to the poor, down-trodden slave. 

B. General assertions, and unqualified re- 
marks, you know, prove nothing, br. Farring- 
ton. Now if I have erred in my course, the 
only w 7 ay for you to convince me of my error 
is, to proceed to particulars ; and in the spirit 
of Christian kindness to point out the ways in 
which you think I have not acted consistently 
in regard to this subject. My mind, I trust, 
is open to conviction, and if you can show me 
that I am wrong in my course, I will cheer- 
fully and immediately alter it, and will be 
grateful to you for assisting me in seeing my 
duty more clearly, and acting more understand- 
ing^- 

jF. I admire the spirit you manifest, and 
do believe you w 7 ish to do that which is right ; 
and I also feel that my motives in seeking this 
conversation with you are good ; and therefore, 



AN ANTI-SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



23 



according to your desire, I will point out 
some ways in which I think you have not been 
consistent. In the first place then, it seems to 
me very inconsistent in you as a minister, to 
refuse to preach plainly against that aggravated 
and abominable iniquity, slavery* I believe 
the Bible denounces slavery ; and that it is as 
much the duty of the watchmen on Zion's 
walls to warn the people against this sin, as 
any other. 

B. Have I never preached against slavery ? 
What was the subject of my discourse on 
Fast day ? 

F. I believe you did mention it then, 
among the other sins of the nation ; but what I 
mean is, preach whole sermons against it, and 
let the people know that you are a strong abo- 
litionist ; the same as Mr. Blarney, ofTrotland, 
does. 

B. Mention it among other sins ! Why 
the greater portion of the morning's sermon 
was about the heinousness of slavery ; and I 
expressed myself so strongly that many of our 
people, as you are aware, thought I went too 
far. Deacon Vuel was so offended, that he 
said "if he had known that I was going to 



24 THE UNIQUE, 

meddle with the slavery question, he would 
have staid at home ; and that if I preached in 
that manner again, he would take his hat, and 
leave the meeting-house." 

F. Well, but deacon Vuel you know is a 
regular pro-slavery man, dyed in the wool. 
He is behind the age ; and isn't worth minding; 
But why don't you preach like Mr. Blarney ? 
He comes out i 

JB. Stop a moment. Would you have 
me do as he has done ? Like him keep bring- 
ing the subject before the people till divisions 
arise in the church, and a scene be enacted 
here similar to that which has taken place in 
Trotland ? 

F. Perhaps br. Blarney has been impru- 
dent, and sometimes pressed his point rathei* 
too hard ; but I believe he is a praying man, 
and has the cause of the poor slave deeply at 
heart. I don't think I ever heard him pray 
without remembering the slave in his chains. 

B. Do not fly off in a tangent from the 
question. You have not answered me. Do 
you want me to pursue the same course here, 
that he has at Trotland ? 



AN ANTI^SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



23 



P. Why ! I don't want any trouble in the 
church. I do not desire you to do exactly as 
he has done, but I do wish you would preach 
as heartily against slavery as he does. 

B. Heartily ! Why I am sure I hate sla* 
very from my heart, and when I preach 
against it, I preach with all my heart. How 
does Mr. Blarney preach? 

F. Preach ! ! ! 1 wish you could hear 
him once. His eyes flash fire ; and his very 
soul burns with the wrongs of the poor, degra- 
ded slaves. And the way he denounces 
slave-holders. I tell you I should pity any 
slaveholder that should happen to hear him. 
He says they are "robbers, murderers, cut* 
Ihroats, pirates, licentious brutes, incarnate 
devils, monsters in the shape of human be- 
ings, reeking with human blood, and revelling 
n the tears, and stripes, and groans, and wrongs*, 
wd miseries of the wretched." Such plain 
iealing you know excites the people, and leads 
hem to look into the subject of slavery. 

B. Do you wish me to call slaveholders 
such names ? 

F. I believe they deserve them, 
3 



26 THE UNIQUE. 

B. But do you wish me to call them so 
in the pulpit ? 

F. As long as they deserve them, I do. 

B. Do you think denouncing them in that 
manner has any tendency to lead them to re- 
nounce slavery ? 

F. I cannot say as to that, but whether it 
would or not, I think it would awaken an in- 
terest among the people. 

JS. So do I. I think it would awaken 
very much such an interest as there has been 
at Trotland. You said you never heard Mr. 
Blarney pray without remembering! the slave* 
Do you think it was right for him invariably to 
pray for the slave ? 

F. To be sure I do. I shouldn't think it 
right if he did not. 

J5. Did you ever hear him pray without 
remembering the heathen ? 

F. Oh yes ! many times. 

B. Was that right ? 

jP. Was what right ? 

B. Was it right for him to pray and not 
remember the wretched, idolatrous heathen? 

F. He feels an interest for them. At the 
last concert 



AN ANTI-SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



27 



B. That is not the point. Is it right for 
him to pray without remembering the heathen 
nations ? 

F. Perhaps he thinks as some others do, 
that there are so many who pray for the hea- 
then, that it is not necessary for him to remem- 
ber them in every prayer. But he does plead 
fervently for the slave when he prays. 

B. I see you avoid answering my ques- 
tion ; and now, my brother, look at it. There 
are hundreds of heathen to one slave ; and how 
is it that you can feel such a deep, all-absorb- 
ing interest for our 3,000,000 slaves, and feel 
comparatively so little interest for hundreds 
of millions of idolaters, living in the grossest 
spiritual darkness, sunken in every vice, and 
exposed to all that is terrific in the wrath of an 
offended God ? I confess I cannot under- 
stand it. 

F. I do feel for the wretched heathen ; 
but you know there are multitudes to feel for 
them, while there are only a few who feel for 
the slave in his bondage. 

jB. I do not know that ; I wish all Chris- 
tians felt for both as they ought. Do you 
think I feel for the slave ? 



28 THE UNIQUE. 

F. Some ; I suppose you would like to 
have slavery abolished, but you do not take 
that active stand against it which I think every 
minister should. 

B. What stand ought I to take ? 

jF. As I said before, preach more point- 
edly against this sin — have an anti-slavery 
monthly concert established in the church, and 
urge the people to attend it. 

B. Well, suppose I should ; what would 
be the result ? 

F. The people would be enlightened, and 
would feel and act for the slave ; an anti-slavery 
society would be speedily formed, and vigorous 
measures adopted to benefit the cause. 

B. Well, what then ? 

F. Why then — the — the society would 
pass resolutions against slavery. Money would 
be freely given to publish books and pamphlets, 
and to aid lecturers in going about the country 
to stir up the people. I should rejoice to 
have such a society here, and see my honored 
pastor the president of it. 

Here this dialogue was interrupted ; and be- 
fore Mr. Farrington had another opportunity 
of calling upon his minister to finish it, and to 



AN ANTI-SLAVERY DIALOGUE. 



29 



show him still further his inconsistency, he 
heard of the death of his only brother, who had 
been residing for several years in Georgia. 
He, being sole heir to his estate, found it 
necessary to repair immediately to the south. 
Eight slaves were left by that brother. Mr. 
Farrington, after duly and prayerfully consider- 
ing what he should do in reference to them, 
?ame at last to the conclusion that the poor 
creatures were totally incapacitated to take 
:are of themselves ; and consequently out of 
entire and generous charity towards them, 
|c~pSOLDc-Qj them to a Christian master, 
who by inquiries he learned had always treated 
bis slaves with remarkable kindness. 

After his return from Georgia, he did not 
seem particularly desirous of resuming the 
:onversation with his pastor upon the subject 
^f slavery, but rather appeared to avoid it when 
le two or three times incidentally adverted 
;o it. 

He was heard to say "that he thought Mr. 
Blackenburn a most pious and excellent man ; 
ind, upon the whole, one of the most con- 
sistent ministers of the gospel he had ever 



snown.' 



3* 



30 THE UNIQUE. 



CHAPTER IV. 

REV. THEOPHILUS MERTON. 

In July 1837, an acquaintance commenced 
with the Rev. Mr. Merton, the pastor of the 
Baptist church in the populous and flourishing 

town of , in the state of ?Ie\v York. He 

had then been settled two years and seven 
months. During the first year he had bap- 
tized five ; in the second year nine ; and in the 
last seven months twenty-one. It was said 
that he was much beloved, both by his church 
and congregation. The truth or falsity of this 
remark we do not pretend to decide, but leave 
each reader to receive his own impression 
from the remainder of the narrative. 

The church was quite large, consisting of 
317 members, comprising many classes and 
kinds of people. The salary was $700 per 
annum, and with all his contriving and econo- 
my, it cost Mr. Merton more than $800 to 
support his family. Perhaps he was not as 



REV. THEOPHILUS MERTON. 31 

skillful in managing his pecuniary concerns as 
some ministers are ; but be that as it may, he 
could not live on his salary. The church 
were aware of this fact, and were able if they 
pleased, to pay three times $700, and yet they 
did not increase his salary. 

Mr. Merton was a small man in body, but 
capable of considerable physical endurance, 
and always enjoyed good health. He was 
about four years on the wrong side of thirty ; 
of mild and pleasing address ; in talents, above 
mediocrity, and of fair and solid attainments, 
having passed through college and the theo- 
logical seminary with much credit as a scholar. 
He was a godly man — preached with all his 
heart, and labored hard in many ways to do 
good to his church and congregation. He 
was much engaged in his work, but evidently 
thought too much of what the people said 
about him. He had a peculiar sort of sensitive- 
ness, which if a minister is so unfortunate as to 
possess, he should resolutely strive to over- 
come ; inasmuch as to some extent it stands in 
the way of his usefulness. Mr. Merton 
seemed to forget that it was impossible to 
please all men, and was sorely afflicted if he 



32 THE UNIQUE. 

found that his public ministrations, or pastoral 
labors, did not give entire satisfaction to every 
individual. So very sensitive was he, that if 
any of his members incidentally observed, 
" Your sermon last Sabbath morning was not 
equal to the one in the afternoon," or dropped 
any similar remark, — as he expressed himself, 
"It made him nervous all day long." 

A friend of his says, "One time when I 
called upon him, I was much amused at his 
expense, seeing what a grievous trouble he 
made out of a mere nothing. Said he, C I 
preached last Sabbath afternoon a sermon upon 
the atonement, which occupied fifty minutes. 
I had spent much time upon it, and had pre- 
pared it with great care. As I w T as leaving 
the meeting-house, deacon Woolvane said to 
me, 'I liked your sermon, but you did not do 
justice to your subject, because you did not 
take time enough. If you had preached some 
fifteen or twenty minutes more, you would 
have done up the matter finely.' Now this 
morning 1 was at brother Shifter's house ; and 
in the course of conversation he referred to 
that sermon, and said, C I thought your views 
were just, and I was pleased with your man- 



REV. THEOPHILUS MERTOX. 



33 



aer of treating that important doctrine ; but you 
preached too long to interest. I tell you 
what, brother Merton, ministers make a mis- 
:ake when they preach over forty minutes. 
They had better fall below than go beyond 
forty minutes.' ' 

'Now,' said he, with quite a mournful 
"ast of countenance, and for the life of me I 
;ould not help laughing as I looked upon it, 
what shall a poor fellow do, when he prepares 
in occasional sermon with elaborate care, 
loping to benefit and satisfy his people, and 
inds that one thinks it too long, and another 
oo short ? — but what are you laughing at ?' 
Why 1 cannot help laughing, said I, to see 
vhat a sorrowful look you put on, and what a 
;rievous affair your sensitiveness leads you to 
magine this is. Do you suppose that all your 
ermons will please every hearer? If you do, 
'on will find yourself amazingly mistaken, I 
ssure you. The only way to get along cora- 
ortably is, to preach the truth as plainly and 
orcibly as you can, and take no notice of any 
uch remarks people may make about your 
liscourses. As to pleasing all, if you under- 
ake to do it you will find yourself in the same 



34 THE UNIQUE. 

predicament with the poor man in the fable 
who tried to please all ; sometimes riding on 
his ass, then letting his son ride, then both 
riding at once, and then again, neither riding ; 
but whichever way it was, some would find 
fault. You will be compelled also to come to 
the same conclusion with this man — that is, do 
what you think is best, let the people say what 
they please. 

Now is not that right ? Is not that the 
best way for you to do ? ' Why yes,' said he, 
' I suppose it is, but my sensitiveness , as you 
call it, is so great, that in spite of all that I can 
do, these sort of things do plague me.' 
Here our conversation was ended by a person 
calling to request Mr. Merton to go immedi- 
ately to see one of his parishioners, who had 
met with a dangerous accident, and was not 
expected to live. 

Poor Mr. Merton I his sensitiveness was 
indeed distressingly acute, and was soon the 
means of his leaving. How this happened 
may be gathered from the following extract of 
a letter which we received from him soon after 
his resignation. 

"The expenses of living being very high 



REV. THE0PH1LUS MERTON. 35 

in , and receiving nothing but my salary 

and some $30 or $40 a year from marriages, the 
people not being in the habit of making pres- 
ents to their minister, I found that each year I 
was running in debt some $60 or $70. None 
of my own relatives being able to help me, 
my father having done all he possibly could do 
in assisting me to obtain my education, I was 
exceedingly distressed, and knew not what to 
do. I consulted with a ministering brother, 
who advised me to make known my case to 
the church. I told him many of the members 
already knew about my affairs. He said that 
was not the thing ; and that I ought to make a 
fair and open statement at some full meeting 
of the church. 

"After thinking the matter over a few days, 
and in fact nights too, for it worried me so 
much I could sleep but little, I concluded to 
follow his advice. Accordingly, at our next 
monthly church meeting I candidly stated just 
how I was situated, and then left the vestry. 
The next day deacon Woolvane called, and 
informed me that the church had voted to 
raise my salary to $800. This, of course, 
considerably relieved my mind, especially as 



36 THE UNIQUE. 

deacon W. was very kind, and expressed 
himself as highly gratified with the way in which 
I had stated my circumstances before the 
church. But the trial was to come. I soon 
found that all the members were not like dea- 
con W. I heard of many complaints. One 
said, 'I shouldn't have thought our minister 
would have hinted for an increase of salary/ 
Another said, 'Mr. Merton is too extrava- 
gant.' A third said, 'his wife need not dress 
so expensively.' A fourth, 'he might live in a 
smaller house.' A fifth, 'it don't cost me 
anything like $700 to support my family, and 
it is larger than his.' And thus one said one 
thing, and another another, till I was so fretted 
and nervous I was almost afraid I should lose 
my senses. Oh, how heartily did I wish I 
had never opened my mouth about my pecu- 
niary embarrassments. I talked with deacon 
Woolvane about the matter, and he told me 
not to mind anything that was said — to just 
let it alone, and it would all soon blow over. 
I tried to follow his advice, but I could not. 
I summoned all my philosophy to my aid, and 
determined that I would not let such trifling 
matters harrass me. I denounced myself as 



REV. THEOPHILUS MERTON. 37 

foolish and weak for thinking and caring so 
much for them. But it was in vain — all would 
not avail, and I found no peace till my con- 
nexion with the church was dissolved." 

Mr. Merton is now the pastor of the church 

in the wealthy farming town of P , where 

his ministry is much blessed ; the fruits of it 
already having been seen in a precious revival. 
He has had the pleasure of baptizing forty- 
seven converts, and of seeing many backsliders 
return to their Father's house. His salary is 
$600, which, with numerous presents, (such 
as wealthy farmers of generous hearts often 
give,) affords him a comfortable maintenance ; 
as the expenses of living are much less than 

in . He has not entirely overcome his 

sensitiveness yet; but says he " don't care 
half as much as he used to 5 what people say 
about him." 

It is due to the church in , to say that 

they raised by subscription a sum of money 
sufficient to liquidate the debts of Mr. Merton, 
so that he left the place unembarrassed. They 
nave now settled the gifted Rev. Charles 
Melville, and find no difficulty whatever in 
paying him a salary of $900. 
4 



38 THE UNIQUE. 

CHAPTER V. 

A BURLESQUE LETTER. 

Mr. Daniel Berkland was a Christian gen- 
tleman of the legal profession, and was one of 
the best hearted men in the world. He was 
somewhat eminent as a lawyer, and had an ex- 
tensive practice. His clients, as a general 
thing, were a very honest class of men, be- 
cause it was understood throughout the region, 
that Squire Berkland resorted to no chicanery, 
never took advantage of his clients by prolong- 
ing their cases, or making them unnecessary 
trouble and expense ; but always advised them 
to let the law alone, when they could in any 
practicable manner adjust their difficulties with- 
out it ; for strange as it may seem to some — 

" There are who, living by the legal pen, 
Are held in honor—honorable men ; 
Men who would starve, ere meanly deign to live 
On what deception and chicanery give." 

Squire Berkland was known, in repeated in- 
stances, to interpose so successfully between 



A BURLESQUE LETTER. 



39 



contending parties, as to lead them to a happy 
and amicable settlement; so that instead of 
going to law, they actually became strong 
friends through his kind and Christian-like me- 
diation ; when by fanning the flame a little, he 
might have carried the cases through many 
cents, and put handsome fees into his pocket. 

Such being his character, it cannot be won- 
dered at, that good men, forced into the law T , 
would naturally apply to him. 

Squire Berkland had formed a very strong 
attachment to his pastor as a man, and highly 
respected him as his spiritual guide and coun- 
sellor. His pastor warmly reciprocated his 
friendship, and greatly esteemed him as an 
active and devoted Christian. He often used 
to say to his wife, "I wish we had more of 
such straight-forward Christians in the world 
as Squire Berkland." 

The Squire was afflicted in all his pastor's 
afflictions. He could not bear to see him in 
the least troubled, or depressed in spirit; and 
whenever he found him in this condition, 
would be contriving something to cheer him 
up ; and having a curious vein of humor, he 
almost always succeeded. One time calling 



40 THE UNIQUE. 

at bis bouse, be found him quite dejected, be- 
cause complaints were rife in the parish that he 
did not visit enough. Many of the people 
murmured loudly, and some with considerable 
acrimony ; although the fact was, the good 
man visited as much as he could, consistently 
with attending to his other duties. After the 
Squire went to his office, the thought struck 
him that he would write his minister an amu- 
sing letter ; hoping thereby to give a turn to 
his feelings, and lead him to see that it was 
not wise to trouble himself with unreasonable 
complainers. The following is a copy of the 
letter, which he wrote immediately, and sent 
to his pastor's house in the evening. 

M , March 19, 18—. 

Rev. and Dear Sir: — I am sorry to write 
you such a letter as my duty imperatively de- 
mands, because I am aware that of all classes 
of men, ministers are the last that are willing 
to take any sort of advice. Devoutly hoping, 
however, that you may prove an exception to 
your profession in this respect, I reluctantly 
gird up my loins to my onerous duty. There 
is a very great complaint in the parish on the 



A BURLESQUE LETTER. 



41 



score of visiting ; and really sir, unless there 
can be a change on your part in this respect, 
the sooner you pull up your stakes and go, 
the better it will be, both for you and the peo- 
ple. I candidly acknowledge that I am my- 
self one of the complainers, and I believe 
your good sense w r ill at once lead you to see 
the reasonableness of my course, when I in- 
form you that you have not darkened the door 
of my dwelling, since three weeks ago yester- 
day. Only think of that — more than three 
weeks have passed and gone, and you, our 
pastor, our guide to heaven, our minister, 
whom we hire expressly to teach us the way 
of life, have not called even once to give us 
the word of advice and counsel. Verily you 
cannot think it strange that we are dissatisfied, 
and feel that unless you can alter your course, 
we must have another and a better minister. 

Now sir, I will inform you what I shall re- 
quire of you, if you remain among us. I shall 
expect you without fail to visit my house once 
a week, and spend one hour in personal, re- 
ligious conversation and prayer with the mem- 
bers of my family. 1 cannot put up with 

anything short of this. Now I have reckoned 
4# 



42 THE UNIQUE. 

up all the houses in the parish at which you 
are expected to call, that is, houses in which 
families and portions of families live who attend 
our meeting,; and I find them to be 153. At 
each of these houses, of course, it is your duty 
to visit, and as it would be partial and im- 
proper in you to call at my house oftener than 
you do at the others, or remain there longer, 
it follows that at each of the 153 houses you 
must call once a week, and remain one hour : 
that is, you must visit 153 hours each week, 
(not including the time going and coming) 
which, as you may readily perceive, is a frac- 
tion less than twenty-two hours each day. 

You may say, it is unreasonable to require 
such an amount of visiting ; but be it so or be 
it not so, we can get along with nothing less. 
You may possibly object to it, on the ground 
that it does not leave you time sufficient to at- 
tend to other important and necessary duties. 
I have made the following calculation of the 
hours you will probably need each day for 
other things, and when they are all added to- 
gether with the twenty-two above, you can 
judge whether you can or cannot make so many- 
hours out of each day. 



A BURLESQUE LETTER. 43 

We shall cheerfully say that you need six hours 
for sleep. We are willing that you should 
lave three meals a day, and as twenty minutes 
ire sufficient for each, we set down to the ac- 
count of eating, one hour. We shall expect 
fou to preach four times every week ; three 
3n the Sabbath, and on Wednesday evening ; 
md four hours each day we deem an ample 
illowance for the preparation of the four ser- 
nons. Then for attendance upon marriages, 
unerals, ordinations, dedications, ministers' 
neetings, anniversaries, &c, including time 
occupied in travelling to and from the places, 
say three hours. For attending to household 
duties, children, &c, three and a half hours, 
[n preaching, attending prayer and church 
neetings, — time occupied in travelling to visit, 
md reading, say at the rate of four hours. 
Waiting upon company, and other incidentals, 
>ne hour ; in all forty-four and a half hours. 

This, I have no doubt, the church will con- 
sider a very judicious and agreeable division 
)fyour time. You may say you do not see 
low you can make forty-four and a half hours 
)ut of twenty-four ; but that, you must remem- 
ber, will not be absolutely necessary, provided 



44 THE UNIQUE. 

you can abridge the time in any of the particu- 
lars except visiting. It may be that you can 
get along comfortably with five hours sleep ; 
Buonaparte took but four. Perhaps you can 
manage to lop off a half hour here and there 
of the other items ; but you may rest assured 
that the people will be satisfied with nothing 
less than twenty-two hours of daily visiting. 
I am confident on this point. I speak, too, 
with some authority about the matter ; or at 
least, I may say advisedly, for I have consulted 
with the leading brethren, and they are fully 
decided that nothing less than the twenty -two 
hours of visiting each day will stop the com- 
plaints, and be satisfactory to the people. 
We are to have a special meeting of the 
church next week, to act in reference to this 
matter. If you can come to your decision by 
that time, we should be happy to have you 
present. If you decide that you can gratify 
our wishes in regard to visiting, we shall re- 
joice to have you remain as our pastor ; and 
w 7 e shall not only pay you the ample salary we 
have, but cheerfully raise it $100 per year. 
If, after duly considering the subject, how- 
eve , you come to the conclusion that you 



A BURLESQUE LETTER 



45 



cannot comply with our desires, unpleasant 
is the alternative is, and highly as we esteem 
ind love you, we shall be compelled to re- 
quest you to ask for your dismission. 

I am, Rev. Sir, with great respect, your 
complaining parishioner, 

Timothy Quinkilhorn. 

This letter did not fail of its intended effect. 
The good man easily guessed from whom it 
;ame ; and the next time he met the lawyer, 
le laughingly said, "You complaining parish- 
oners may grumble till you are tired — I have 
something of more importance to attend to 
han to worry myself about you." "Ah!" 
said the Squire, shaking his head, and putting 
m a sort of comical look, "if you don't 
^ISIT us more, you'll get your walking 
icket at the next church meeting." 



46 THE UNIQUE. 



CHAPTER VI. 



HENRY GREEDY. 



u But man thou seem'st; clear therefore from thy breast 
This lust of money — folly at the best!" 

Henry Greedy was a farmer; he was the 
son of a farmer ; and his father was the son of 
a farmer. He lived in the same house, re- 
pain in spots it is true, which his grandfather 
and .. ther had successively occupied before 
him. He was in circumstances that farmers 
in New England generally call " forehanded ;" 
that is, the farm which he owned, lying upon 

the rich banks of the beautiful river of , 

in the northern part of Massachusetts, was 
worth some $3,500, and comfortably support- 
ed his family, which consisted of himself, wife, 
and four children. 

He was much respected, in a certain way, 
by his neighbors, notwithstanding they most 
fully believed that there was a curious and 
harmonious similarity between his name and 



HENRY GREEDY. 



47 



lis disposition. Whether any such idea was 
mbibed from the fact well established in the 
leighborhood, that not a day passed away in 
vhich Mr. Greedy did not impress upon the 
ninds of his children the sensible maxim, 
'Take care of the pence, and the pounds will 
ake care of themselves," or from the circum- 
tance that he had repeatedly been heard to 
ay with great emphasis, "that it was wrong 
or a certain storekeeper in a village hard by, 
lways to take the half cent in his dealings," 
►r from other facts and circumstances, it be- 
loveth not the deponents to say. One thing, 
lowever, no one had any doubt about ; and 
hat was this, that Mr. Greedy was a remark- 
bly careful man about all his expenditures. 
Ie used to boast that he never spent money 
selessly ; but his neighbors thought he some- 
imes lost money when there was no occasion to 
")se it. He used to trade much in cattle, and 
enerally wintered a large stock ; and scarcely 
winter passed but that more or less of them 
ied. Now t his neighbors thought that as their 
attle did not die, there was no particular 
ecessity for his cattle to die ; and it was their 
nanimous opinion, that if he had given them 



48 THE UNIQUE. 

more fodder, they would have weathered the 
season as well as their own. One individual 
declared "that Mr. Greedy 's cattle were so 
hungry, that they broke into his land, and 
eat up three cords of newly cut spruce and 
hemlock wood, with the exception of one very 
knotty log, which was so hard that they could 
not eat it, and so tough that he could not split 
it." His man called upon the minister, and 
desired him to have Mr. Greedy "churched," 
as he called it, that is, disciplined by the 
church, because he refused to pay for the 
wood. 

Whether Mr. Greedy spent money care- 
lessly or not, it was very evident that he did 
not give money away carelessly, for whatever 
application might be made to him, he refused 
to give. Justice, however, demands that it 
be acknowledged that he always had his reasons 
for not giving, and was not at all reluctant to 
state them. If applied to to assist a poor 
man, he would say "he could not conscien- 
tiously give to the poor because it made them 
lazy." He thought all Christians ought to re- 
frain, on principle, from giving to the poor, 
"for," said he, "if they can live on charity 
they will not work." 



HENRY GREEDY. 



49 



If requested to aid a needy and suffering 
ick person, he would say, "when people are 
ick they do not need much, and that it was a 
mistaken kindness to beg money and buy little 
jxuries for them, as they made them worse." 
^nd then he would tell what a doctor once 
Did him, which was, "that a certain poor 
atient of his was happily recovering from a 
angerous fever, when some persons with mis* 
uided good intentions, brought her some 
ranges and figs, which she eat, and was 
^rown back again into the fever, and died." 
fan agent of any society applied to him, he 
ivariably refused to give, on the ground 
'that it cost so much to support agents*" 
rhus he always had his reasons for not giving. 

It is said of Peter the Great, that when any 
^dividual told him of the faults of another, 
e would say, "Is there not a fair side also 
d the character of the person of whom you 
re speaking ? Come, tell me his good quali- 
ies." So now, we will mention some good 
nings about Mr. Greedy. He was very 
pod to encourage his minister, by always 
eing at meeting on the Sabbath, unless pre- 
ented by sickness. Neither rain, nor snow, 
5 






60 THE UNIQUE. 

nor cold, nor heat, nor bad roads kept him 
from the sanctuary, although his house was 
more than two miles distant. 

He was very good in regularly attending the 
weekly prayer meeting in the vestry, and was 
punctual at the time ; never being ten, fifteen, 
or twenty minutes behind the time, as many 
are. And he was always ready to speak and 
pray ; and although some of the members did 
not like to hear him, he prayed with conside- 
rable apparent fervor, and exhorted with more 
than ordinary earnestness. He was generally 
at the monthly church meeting ; and another 
thing that is truly deserving of mention, he 
was never known to be absent from a business 
meeting, either of church or society. This 
last ought especially to be remembered to 
Mr. Greedy's credit, because it is a lamenta- 
ble fact, that many church members seldom or 
never attend the business meeting, and seem 
to think it a sufficient reason for not going, be- 
cause it is a business meeting ; whereas no 
church member should ever neglect it. Ano- 
ther good thing about Mr. Greedy was this ; 
that he was always willing to serve on any 
committee, or perform any sort of labor for 



HENRY GREEDY. 



51 



the church. He never plead off with his 
modest inability, like some of our brethren, 
who can talk long, and tell what ought to be 
done, and when requested to take hold and 
help do, say, " Excuse me, I think some other 
one can do better." He was ready to work 
in any way for the church, and although rather 
backward in paying his own tax, he very 
cheerfully went about the parish as collector, 
to gather the taxes of others. Some, indeed, 
said he did this u that he might have a good 
opportunity to talk with the people about the 
great salary he considered the minister was 
paid." We will, however, consider this a 
wicked and cruel slander, and let it pass ; al- 
though we must now turn the picture over 
again, and look on the other side. 

It must be confessed that Mr. Greedy was 
squeamishly sensitive about the salary in ques- 
tion. He said "he thought conscientiously, 
that his minister was paid altogether too much 
salary ;" though the fact was, he received only 
$450, and had a family of nine children to 
maintain, the eldest of whom was not seven- 
teen years of age. He had several times in 
church meeting most unequivocally advocated 



52 THE UNIQUE. 

the idea, that it was exceedingly pernicious to 
a minister u to give him more money than just 
enough to keep soul and body comfortably to- 
gether.'' He unhesitatingly remarked, to the 
no small astonishment of his friends, "that he 
firmly believed more ministers had been in- 
jured by large salaries than in any other way, 
because it made them vain, and spoiled their 
usefulness." 

To enforce this point he once used the fol- 
lowing very expressive and dignified illustra- 
tion, before about ten brethren, who composed 

a church meeting. u There was Mr. R ," 

said he, "when he was settled in N , was 

a very pleasant and fine man. I used to like 
to meet him, he was so kind and agreeable ; 

but after he went to the city of , and had 

a large salary, I once called on him, and he 
pretended he did not know me at first, but 

when in N , it was always c Br. Greedy, 

br. Greedy.' His great salary had puffed 
him up, and he was so big with importance, 
that I couldn't have touched him with a ten 
foot pole." 

After having fatigued himself by this exces- 
sive effort of intellect and eloquence, Mr. 



HENRY GREEDY. 



53 



jreedy sat down, evidently highly delighted 
nth the tremendous impression he supposed 
le had made upon the minds of his brethren. 

All that we have now related of Mr. Greedy, 
yas applicable to him ten years since. He is 
till living, and is now, in some respects, an 
Itered man for the better. The church some 
ight or nine years ago took up his case, and 
leak with him severely for his avarice. First 
hey suspended him, and then excluded him ; 
•ut finally he was restored, and since that 
ime he has been more liberal than he was be- 
3re. His giving, however, has not yet im- 
loverished him, nor has it proved any serious 
letriment to his estate ; and he still retains 
nough of the miser's spirit to prevent his heirs 
rom fearing that such a catastrophe, would 
peedily happen. 

His children, with the exception of the 
oungest, do not live at home. The eldest is 

married man, a thriving mechanic in Rhode 
sland ; the next is the second mate of a Liv- 
rpool packet ship ; and the third is a clerk in 

dry goods store in the city of B . We 

re inclined to think these sons did not profit 
mch from their father's oft repeated maxim 
5* 



54 THE UNIQUE. 

already mentioned, especially the son of the 
ocean, who, with a sailor's prodigality, takes 
care of neither pence nor pound. The daughter 
at home, some intimate, is more like her fa- 
ther than either of her brothers. 

The sons very seldom visit the paternal 
mansion. The sailor does, more than the 
others ; and it has been hinted to us that the 
reason is, because there is a certain magnet in 
a neighboring house to his father's, that exerts 
quite a powerful attraction upon him. 

We hope Mr. Greedy's sons are not undu- 
tiful. The clerk says he is not. His business 
confines him rather closely, and he says, tc I 
do not like to go home on account of the cat- 
tle ; because they look so poor and lean they 
deprive me of all the enjoyment I otherwise 
might receive. Were it not for that, I should 
like very much to spend a few days at home, 
as often as I could be spared from the store. " 

It is due, however, to Mr. Greedy, to say 
that none of his cattle have died in the winter, 
since he was disciplined by the church. 



A COLLOQUY. 



55 



CHAPTER VII. 



A COLLOQUY. 

Scene. — Deacon Stephen Martin's store, 
in the bustling village of , in New Hamp- 
shire. Present, br. Reuben Jones, sitting on 
a barrel of flour, br. Jared L. Smith, sitting 
on the counter, br. George Orlow, standing 
against the desk, and deacon Martin behind it, 
just receipting br. Orlow's bill. 

Jones. Deacon, don't you think it strange 
our minister preaches so much from notes, 
when he knows so many of us are opposed to 
'em ? 

Dea. Why — y-e-s — I — should think he 
would preach more without them, and I have 
told him so, but he thinks he knows better 
than we do how to preach. 

Smith. I have told him the same thing, 
and he said to me that he thought he could 
preach better to use 'em sometimes. 

Jones. Sometimes ! he now scarcely ever 
preaches without 'em. 



56 THE UNIQUE. 

Dea. I think he uses them more than he 
did when he was first settled among us. 

Jones. That he does ! Why the first 
year he didn't use 'em much. Once in a 
while he would have a little scrap of paper, 
but now he uses 'em every Sabbath. 

Smith. I guess not every Sabbath ! 

Jones. Well I guess he does. I don't 
believe there has been a Sabbath for the last 
two months, but what he's used 'em — do you, 
deacon ? 

Dea. Well I can't say as to that. I have 
not taken particular notice to see whether he 
uses them every Sabbath or not, but I know 
he uses them a great deal more than he did. 
I don't think it will do any good to talk with 
him any more about it — I have, two or three 
times, and have made up my mind to let him 
take his own course ; for he has a right to 
preach as he chooses. 

Jones. I know he has a right to, but I 
should think he would want to please the peo- 
ple. 

Smith. I tell you he thinks he can preach 
better if he uses notes part of the time. 

Jones. I don't care if he does think so ; he 



A COLLOQUY. 



57 



*an't. It looks to me like obstinacy, to be 
^reaching from his old papers all the time, 
vhen he knows we don't like it. Now if I 
vas a minister, I should want to please the 
)eople, and I should think I ought to please 
em when they support me, and do as well as 
ve do by our minister. 

Orlow. Hold on, hr. Jones. I don't see 
is it looks at all like obstinacy. You go too 
ar in talking so. Now I believe our minister 
reaches for our good ; and if he can preach 
)etter from notes, I'd rather he would use 
hem. I am sure you cannot say he is at all 
confined to them. He can judge much better 
han either you or I can, in what manner of 
reaching he is most likely to prove successful 
n doing good. And as to pleasing the people, 
[ think he does wish to please us, and strives 
o please us as much as any minister would. 
.\nd as to support, a minister ought not to 
eel that he must succumb to every whim and 
laprice of his people, because they pay him a 
;alary for his labors in the gospel ; for is not 
he "workman worthy of his reward?" I 
lon't think we do so wonderfully well by our 
minister, either. I think we pay him too 



58 THE UNIQUE. 

little, and should be glad to have the church 
vote to increase his salary $100, and would 
pay my. part towards it; for I know he has 
hard work to get along. Why the minister 
at , has $100 a year more than our pas- 
tor, and that church is not as able as ours. 
He can get more too ; for the church in the 

city of , you know, offered him $250 

more than we give him, and yet he refused to 
leave us. I believe that he is a truly pious 
man, and that his whole soul is bound up in 
trying to do us good ; and I do think it is too 
bad to make so much fuss about such a little 
thing as using notes ; and if all the time was 
spent in prayer, that is spent in finding fault, 
I think much more good would be accom- 
plished. 

Jones. I'm sure I don't want to find fault, 
and I'm sorry you think so, br. Orlow ; but I 
know what I like, as well as other people ; and 
I'd rather he'd preach without notes. It never 
seemed to me like preaching, when a man had 
paper before him. 

Orlow. Well, if you don't want to find 
fault, why do you find fault? Any one to 
hear you tell about our pastor's obstinacy, and 



A COLLOQUY. 59 

using such harsh kind of words, would sup- 
pose you found pretty serious fault. It seems 
to me that you are making a great ado about 
nothing. Why only look ! what is the trouble ? 
Our pastor preaches from notes— little skele- 
tons of sermons. He scarcely ever reads a 
sermon. I do not believe he has preached 
six sermons that were all written out, since he 
came here. He takes a half sheet of paper, 
and doubles it, and on that puts down the heads 
and leading remarks, and then preaches from 
it ; and this seems to be a little matter for you 
to talk so harshly about. Pray what would 
you do if he read his sermons word for word, 
as many ministers do ? 

Jones. I wouldn't hear him at all. I 
shouldn't feel it my duty to go to meeting. 

Dea. You said, br. Orlow, our pastor has 
hard work to get along ; I did not know that 
before ; at least I did not know any particulars 
about it, although deacon Addison hinted 
something of the kind to me. 

Orlow. Well it is so. At the close of 
this last year, he was behind $73 to my cer- 
tain knowledge, after being as prudent and 
economical as he could. 



60 THE UNIQUE. 

Dea. Was it so ? Well, what was done 
about it ? 

Orlow. I was not going to tell you that, 
but as long as you have asked me, I will. 
Four or five of us made it up to him. 

Dea. It is singular that I never heard any- 
thing about it. 

Orloiv. Not very singular either, because 
we concluded to say nothing about it at the 
time. But it is no matter now, as our society 
meeting comes tomorrow evening, and then, 
as I suppose deacon Addison told you, we 
are to see if something can't be done in the 
way of increasing the salary. 

Dea. Yes, deacon Addison said some- 
thing about it a few days since, but there were 
so many customers in just then, that he had 
no chance to tell me any particulars. I did 
not know why the salary was to be raised, 
though 1 supposed our pastor had complained 
that it was too little. 

Orlow. No, he did not complain. He 
said not a word about his pecuniary matters, 
till one day when we were at his house, deacon 
Addison asked him in his good humored way, 
"how he made ends meet." He then told 



A COLLOQ.UY. 



61 



us just how he was situated. Deacon Addi- 
son then turned to me, and said, "Br. Orlow, 
this won't do ! He must not have his mind 
worried about how he is going to get his bread 
and butter." 

Dea. I supposed he lived comfortably on 
what we paid him ; but if he don't, I have no 
objection to his salary being raised, and I am 
willing to help. 

Orlow. That's right. I don't think there 
will be any difficulty in doing what is right for 
him. Come, br. Smith, are you going home ? 

Smith. Yes. (Getting down from the 
counter.) 

[Exeunt Orlow and Smith. 



Jones. Well deacon, I believe Orlow 
thinks our minister is perfect. Everything 
that he does is right. I thought he'd fall in 
with us about the notes, didn't you ? 

Dea. No ; for I knew he did not care 
whether he used them or not. 

Jones. If I had known how he felt, I 

shouldn't have spoken so, but I supposed he 

felt as we did. I wish it didn't trouble me so 

much, but I hate notes. I don't believe a 

6 



62 THE UNIQUE. 

man can be under the influences of the Spirit 
when he uses notes. 

Dea. Tut, tut ! You are now certainly 
going too far. His putting down a few 
thoughts on paper cannot interfere with the 
Spirit's influence, for as br. Orlow says, he 
uses only short notes. It is very different 
from writing his sermons, and reading them 
word for word. I wish, however, he would 
throw his notes entirely aside, and then no one 
would complain ; but it is of no use to say any- 
thing to him on the subject. 

Jones. I don't want to say anything to him* 
But what do you think about raising the salary ? 

Dea. I think it well to raise it, if he can't 
get along with what he now has. Although I 
don't exactly like it, their not consulting me, 
I must say I admire their generosity in raising 
that $73. I expect deacon Addison paid 
at least half of it, for he is the most liberal 
and kind hearted man I ever knew. I believe 
if he had but half a loaf in the world, he would 
give it away to any one who needed it. He 
is blunt enough it is true, but it is always blunt 
kindness, and blunt goodness. 

Jones. I should think our minister is paid 
enough. Here comes br. Smith back again. 



A COLLOQUY. 63 

Smith. (Entering.) I forgot my flour; 
I want twenty-eight pounds, deacon. 

Dea. I must say I should think it would 
be tough work for him to get along. I can't 
support my family on anything like his salary. 

Jones. Ministers, you know, ought to be 
more prudent than other folks. 

Dea. Ministers must have something to 
eat and wear, as well as other people — they 
cannot live on air. I'll trouble you to get off 
this barrel, as I must unhead it to get br. 
Smith's flour. 

Jones. (Getting off the barrel^ and leaning 
on the counter.) Can't live on air ! well no- 
body wants 'em to live on air. 

Smith. I guess they'd make poor work if 
they should try it. How mighty secret 
they've kept it about raising the salary ! I 
never heard a word on't before. 

Jones. Well, I can't pay any more. Min- 
isters must come down in their notions, and 
not be so extravagant. 

Smith. Our pastor isn't extravagant, is he ? 

Jones. Yes ; they all are. 

Dea. I don't think you do right to say so ; 
I never heard any such accusation against him. 



64 THE UNIQUE. 

Just tell us one thing in which he is extrava- 
gant. 

Jones. I can't stop now, {taking out his 
uatch,) I must be going towards home. 

Dea. That's a good get off. You are in 
a great hurry all at once. You can't mention 
one thing in which he is extravagant. 

Jones. Perhaps I can't mention anything 
pertickler, but I mean ministers must come 
down, and live more like their people. 

Dea. Live like their people ! I guess 
our minister would jump at the chance to ex- 
change living with some of his flock. 

Jones. I'll talk with you some other time, 
but I must go now. [Exit Jones. 

Dea. Shall you vote for or against raising 
the salary tomorrow evening ? 

Smith. I shall vote for it, for I am sure I 
want our pastor to have enough so as not to 
run in debt. I don't want him to be in debt. 
I am a poor man, and can't pay much, but I 
am willing to pay what I can towards it. 

Dea. That's good. I shall vote for it. 
For the credit of the church, I should hate to 
have it said he couldn't live on his salary. 



A COLLOQUY. 



65 



Br. Jones says he can't pay any more ; but he 
can and ought to, but I suppose he wont, he 
is so much worked up about the notes. 

Smith. I don't like notes, but I ain't going 
to let that keep me from doing right. 

Dea. Nor I neither. Our pastor is an ex- 
cellent man, and one of the best preachers any- 
where round here ; and as long as using notes 
is all the fault we find with him, I think his 
other good qualities should lead us to overlook 
that one. I don't know any minister more 
pious, and more devoted to his work than he is. 

Br. Northfield rides up to the door, and 
sitting in his wagon, calls out to deacon Mar- 
tin. The deacon and br. Smith go to the 
door. 

Northfield. Got any oil, deacon ? 

Dea. No sir; sold my last gallon this 
morning. Expect some this evening. 

Smith. Where are you going ? 

Northfield. Home. 

Smith. Take me along ? 

Northfield. Certainly. 

They ride off, and deacon Martin goes back 
to his desk, to charge br. Smith with the flour. 
6* 



66 THE UNIQUE, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MR. POMPOLONI. 

" O dear discretion, how his words are suited ! 
The fool hath planted in his memory 
An army of great words.' 7 

Mr. Pompoloni was a gentleman, as he him- 
self supposed, of rather brilliant parts, although 
all his acquaintances did not agree with him in 
this opinion. He was the most consequential 

member of Rev. Mr. 's church, in the large 

city of , and considered himself entirely 

competent to give a small bit of advice, now 
and then, to his pastor. 

His brethren thought he was proud, but this 
was a mistake, for actually he had much more 
of the appearance than he had of the spirit of 
pride. He had a peculiar habit of making a 
sort of preface, before he came to the main 
point of his subject ; and he invariably used an 
abundance of 

" Words of learned length and thundering sound" 



MR. POMPOLONI. 



67 



which he often introduced in such a ludicrous 
connexion that the "risibles" of all but himself 
would be most sensibly affected. The follow- 
ing conversation, or dialogue, (whichever the 
reader chooses to call it,) between him and his 
pastor, will perhaps give a better idea of this 
gentleman than any farther description of ours. 
P. For some time there has been a 
distressing, irrepressible impression weighing 
down my mind, that it was my unwelcome 
duty to have a faithful and sincerely Christian 
conversation with you. I have often thought 
that in some respects you were exceedingly 
injudicious, and were pursuing a course pre- 
eminently and preponderatingly subversive of 
your influence among the people. A minister 
stands in such a peculiar situation before the 
world, that the most microscopical indiscretion, 
under disadvantageous circumstances, may sully 
and tarnish a reputation, which, on account 
of the delicateness of its structure, should 
be carefully and conservatively environed and 
guarded, as a jewel of inestimable worth, 
indeed, beyond all price. A man who is not 
a minister of the gospel, may with symmetrical 
propriety do many things which a minister 



68 THE UNIQUE. 

cannot do, without deteriorating from his influ- 
ence to an alarming and calamitous extent. 
Men in public life should ever remember that 
the community have an undeniable right to 
suppose that they will act consummately dis- 
creetly, and with unremitting circumspection, 
in reference to unimportant as well as momen- 
tous matters. 

The more influential a man is, the more 
watchful and solicitous should he be to con- 
duct with prudence and wisdom. One, even 
one unwise step taken by you, might be repro- 
ductive of infinitely more devastating results, 
than ten thousand taken by an humble individ- 
ual like myself. 

Your standing in society imperatively de- 
mands the most cautious and discriminating 
discretion; and allow me to say, Rev. Sir, 
I sensibly feel that you are habituated to a 
form of expression before the sharp, Argus 
eyed world, that determinatively degrades the 
dignity of your character as a minister of the 
everlasting gospel ; and in the concatenation of 
events, it is impossible to decipher how super- 
latively terrific may be the disastrous deduc- 
tions consequent upon this detrimental habit. 



MR. POMPOLONI. 



69 



Minister. Will you be so kind as to in- 
form me to what form of expression you refer ? 

P. I should say, sir, it was a sort of effer- 
vescible way of speaking. It apparently re- 
sults from an irreclaimable hilarity, or an 
irretrievable irresistibleness of cheerfulness. 

M. I do not know that I get your idea. 
Do you mean that I talk foolishly, or what do 
you 

P. Oh no ! by no means, sir, by no means ; 
do not so grievously misapprehend me as to 
infer that I would intimate that there is the 
least stultiloquence in your conversation. 

Jkf. What then do you mean ? 

P. I mean sir — I mean that your irrefra- 
gable and uncontrollable flow of spirits leads 
you to make remarks irrelievably irreconcilable 
with your sacred functions as a minister. 

J\I. I really do not comprehend you, unless 
you mean to convey the idea that my flow of 
spirits leads me to make light and frothy re- 
marks. 

P. My dear sir, I beg you not to use such 
language, and so unjustifiably and inappropri- 
ately misconstrue my meaning. 

M* As then I cannot get your idea from 



70 THE UNIQUE. 

your language, you must illustrate it by some 
of the remarks to which you refer. Tell me 
some of the things I have said, of the character 
you mean. 

P. My dear sir, excuse me. It would 
not accord with that reverential deference I 
owe you, nor with your unbending dignity as 
a minister, for us to descend to the minutise of 
particulars. I only wished to speak of this 
matter in general. It is perfectly proper to 
mention it in the abstract, but it would be irre- 
deemably unpardonable to come down to the 
concrete. 

M. Well then, I do not see but that I 
must plod on my way without the benefit of 
improvement from your idea, unless you will 
mention some particulars, for truly I cannot 
comprehend it from your general remarks. 

P. You will excuse me sir, I am sensible, 
when in addition to what I have stated, I ob- 
serve that I have an unconquerable and mono- 
maniac aversion to particulars. Your percep- 
tive faculties will luminously penetrate my idea, 
upon transcendentally tranquilized reflection ; 
and your supereminent ingenuousness of char- 
acter will detruncate any suspicion of inter- 



MR. POMPOLONI. 



71 



meddling impertinence on my part ; and your 
imperturbable piety will be distinguished by 
refreshing and invigorating reflorescence. We 
will change the subject, sir, if you please. 

J\f. Certainly. Have you seen br» N 

to-day ? 

P. I have not, sir ; but I enjoyed the su- 
preme gratification of hearing his superexcel- 
lent lecture last evening. 

M. He is a man of sterling ability. How 
were you pleased with his sermon to our peo- 
ple last Sabbath morn ? 

P. No language can express the indefina- 
ble and rapturously extatic admiration with 
which I listened to it. How emphatically 
splendid was his introduction ! What con- 
secutive reasoning in his argument, without the 
least periphrastical consarcination ! And then 
the peroration, what charming permeably de- 
lightful consentaneousness of thought ! I 
never heard anything so ineffably and en- 
trancingly enchanting. I really did not know 
whether I was in the body or out of it. 

M. I was pleased with his discourse, but 
I think I have heard him preach still better. 
It was by no means one of his strongest efforts. 



72 THE UNIQUE. 

P. You inexpressibly, astonishingly sur- 
prise me. I am bewildered with amazement 
at what you say ; for it is surpassingly beyond 
the ramifications of my intellection, to embody 
a conception of anything superior. It was so 
indescribably bewitching, and so unutterably, 
captivatingly fascinating, with such perspicuous- 
ness of perscrutation, without the slightest 
adumbration, that to me it was the quintessence 
of exhilaration to listen to him. 

•/If. You know our regular church meeting 
occurs this evening ; shall you be with us ? 

P. Such is my presentaneous calculation. 
I shall be there unless unavoidably prevented 
by obstructing circumstances. 

M. I hope no such circumstances will 
arise, then, for I am anxious to have as many 
members present this evening as possible, as 
Mr. G 's case will again come up. 

P. An inextricable perplexedness perpet- 
uates that disagreeable case. An unpropor- 
tionable quantity of time has been irremissibly 
expended upon it, which has been prodigiously 
productive of nought but beclouding obfusca- 
tions. 

M. I think we shall disentangle it some- 



MR. POMPOLONI. 



73 



what this evening. Oh ! did you say when 
you were here last that you have the autograph 
of Mr. Schriewinski ? 

P. I did sir ; and I retain with undecaying 
preservation, that autographical reminiscence 
of his personal identity. 

On the evening of the day in which this 
conversation took place, the following entry 

was made in Rev. Mr. 's journal. "Had 

another call from Mr. P — . He has some 

idea about my manner of speaking which I do 
not exactly understand. He strung big sound- 
ing words together, as usual ; if anything, rather 
more so than when he came to lecture me about 
my course on temperance. He is certainly an 
odd genius. I hope he will not come again 
soon, for he invariably makes my head ache." 



14 THE UN I QUE , 



CHAPTER IX. 

REV. YATES YERRINGTON. 

Sometimes ministers have left their churches 
tvheri they appeared to be doing well, and 
when no very clearly defined reason could be 
given for dissolving a connexion which seemed 
to be so happy and desirable. In such cases 
the community wonder why the minister has 
resigned his charge. 

"Did you know," says one, "Mr. * 

has left ? I am astonished. I thought every- 
thing was pleasant and harmonious among his 
people." Says another, "What does it 

mean, Mr. leaving ? I am sure I never 

heard any fault found with him." Says ano- 
ther, "Who would have thought it, Mr. 

leaving — he has been here so long, and his 
people were so attached to him." 

Such w r as the sort of wondering talk when 
the Rev. Mr. Yerrington resigned the pastoral 
care of the church in the delightful town 



REV. YATES YERRINGTON. 



75 



of , in New Jersey. He had been the 

highly esteemed pastor of that church for 
many years. He was their first minister, and 
they were his first people. He commenced 
his labors among them when he was a young 
man, and when they were a little and a feeble 
band ; and he had cheerfully borne his share in 
all the difficulties and trials of their incipient 
stage of existence. He had labored hard, and 
earnestly, and prayerfully, in the cause of his 
Redeemer among them, and had ever felt that 
no effort was too great, no burden too heavy, 
and no self-denial too severe, if he could be 
the means of benefitting the souls of his people. 

Under his faithful ministrations the church 
and society gradually and steadily increased, 
till the " little one became," not indeed "a 
thousand," but rather more than a third of a 
thousand ; and the usual Sabbath congregation 
amounted to 5 or 600 individuals. 

For some little time previous to Mr. Yer- 
rington's leaving, a few of the leading brethren 
had felt a sort of indistinct dissatisfaction with 
their pastor. We say indistinct, because they 
could not exactly tell why they were dissatis- 
fied with him, only somehow or other he did 



76 THE UNIQUE. 

not seem to be just the man they thought was 
needed in . This dissatisfaction, how- 
ever, they studiously concealed from him. 

We will give a little account of a church 
meeting that took place about this time, and 
that, perhaps, will give to the reader the views 
and feelings of these brethren in a clearer 
light than anything we can say. 

In that meeting one brother said, " I think 
Mr. Yerrington is a very good pastor and a 
good preacher ; but 1 do not profit lately from 
his preaching as much as I used to, and I have 
thought that perhaps a change of ministers 
might be well." 

Another one said, "I always liked our min- 
ister very much, but I do not think he is as 
spiritual a man as our church noiv needs." 
Another, who never paid over five dollars a year 
towards the support of his pastor, on account 
of his penuriousness, though he was much bet- 
ter off in worldly things than some others in 
the church who paid five times five dollars, 
said, "I have never been satisfied with our 
minister's receiving so much salary. I think 
$500 is as much as we can pay ; and J think 
some other minister who would live on less 
salary w T ould do better for us." 



REV. YATES YERRINGTON. 



77 



Another said, "I should like it if Mr. Yer- 
rington would preach more gospel, and not so 
many practical sermons. I am tired of hear- 
ing so much about our duty. I do not think 
he is as well adapted to our people now as he 
used to be." 

Another said, "I believe our pastor is a 
good man, and wants to do good ; but he does 
not seem to have the gift now of drawing in 
the people as he once did. The congregation 
don't increase as fast as it did. I think that 
a change of ministers might prove useful." 

Another said, "I have not anything against 
Mr. Yerrington. I like him much as a man 
and a minister. For my own part I should 
be satisfied to have him remain, but I think 
the novelty of having a new minister would 
draw in more people." 

Another said, "Our pastor has been with 
us many years, and has done much good ; 
but I don't think he will be as useful to us as 
he has been, if he stays any longer. I don't 
think he is exactly the man for us noiv." 

Here he was interrupted by a brother who 
could keep silence no longer, (and who did 
think his pastor was the man for them noxo^) 
7* 



78 THE UNIQUE, 

who inquired as follows : " Why is he not the 
man for us now? Have you heard any- 
thing against him ? Has he been guilty of any 
impropriety ? Is there any accusation touch- 
ing his character ? or what is the matter that 
he is not the man for us now as much as 
ever he was ?" 

"Oh no, no," answered the interrupted 
brother, "not a word has been said against 
him. His character stands perfectly fair and 
unblemished. He is a good man, an excellent 
man ; and I have no fault to find with him at 
all ; but I do not think it advisable for him to 
remain here any longer. It is sometimes best 
for ministers and churches to have a change ; 
and as our pastor has been with us so many 
years, I think it will be for his good and ours 
too, to have a change." These seven breth- 
ren were all who felt the slightest dissatisfac- 
tion with Mr. Yerrington. (No other member 
of the church was in the least discontented, 
unless we speak of the wives of these brethren. 
Six of them had wives, the other was a wid- 
ower. Of these six wives, five sided with 
their husbands; the other, the wife of the pe- 
nurious man, was a firm friend of the minister. 



REV. YATES YERRINGTON. 



79 



She thought he was the best man in the world, 
and had none too much salary*) We need 
not detail what was said by others at that 
meeting. Suffice it then to remark, that they 
were astonished and grieved at what these 
seven had said, and were very decided in ex- 
pressing their interest and affection for their 
pastor, and their opinion that he was still the 
man for them, and their desire that he should 
remain with them till God should call him to 
enter upon the scenes of another world. 

Mr. Yerrington, hearing from this meeting 
that very night by some of his friends, who 
could not sleep over it till they had told him, 
sent word to those seven brethren the next 
morning, that he would be pleased to meet 
them in his study that afternoon. They came, 
and spent an hour with him in talking over the 
matter ; and after hearing what they had to 
say, and getting an insight into the character 
and kind of their dissatisfaction, he told them 
that all he had to say w r as, that they ought to 
have told him of their trouble before ; and that 
they need not give themselves any further 
anxiety about the matter, as he would very 
speedily relieve them from their burden. 



80 THE UNIQUE. 

Mr. Yerrington being a very independent 
kind of a man, and taking but little time to 
make up his mind, and being very decided and 
immoveable when it was made up, and being 
very prompt to act on his decisions, and feel- 
ing that he never desired to labor with a peo- 
ple where even a small minority of them felt 
at all dissatisfied with hina, resigned his pasto- 
ral charge on the following Sabbath. 

We will not dwell upon the scenes that en- 
sued — the wonder, astonishment, grief and in- 
dignation that were felt, and the " bitter 

things" that were said in for several 

weeks — the efforts which were made to induce 
Mr. Yerrington to take back his resignation — 
the trouble these seven brethren had with cer- 
tain other brethren, and their qualms of con- 
science. 

We will draw a veil of two years over the 

whole of it, and say the church in have 

settled the Rev. Rodolphus Ruddleford, who 
is a good man, and loves to labor in his Mas- 
ter's vineyard ; and the Lord of the vineyard is 
blessing his labors. 

Mr. Yerrington is the pastor of the large 
church in the great flourishing inland towq 



REV. YATES YERRINGTON. 81 

of , in Pennsylvania. He is very pleas- 
antly located, is very happy with his people, 
and is doing much good. His people love 
him much, and esteem him very highly as a 
preacher. They think he is JUST THE 
MAN FOR THEM, and that it will be a 
long time before they will desire a CHANGE 
OF MINISTERS. 



82 THE UNIQUE. 



CHAPTER X. 

COLONEL RICHARD FORRESTER. 

"The man that's resolute and just. 
Firm to his principles and trust, 
Nor hopes, nor fears can bind." 

Colonel Forrester was a very decided man, 
and a very decided Christian. When he 
made a profession of religion, he understood 
what he was doing. He had counted the cost, 
and had resolutely made up his mind to conse- 
crate soul and body to his Lord and Redeem- 
er. As previous to his conversion he had 
been a very diligent and faithful servant of the 
devil, so after it he determined, grace assisting 
him, to be equally diligent and faithful in the 
service of his God. 

Colonel Forrester did not act from the 
mere impulse of feeling, but conscientiously 
adopted his line of duty, and then scrupulously 
acted up to it, whether he felt like it or not. 
Under whatever circumstances he might be 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



83 



placed, whether at home or abroad, he deemed 
it his duty and privilege to act upon Christian 
principle. 

In his domestic relations, he endeavored at 
all times to set such an example before his 
family as would lead them to believe that his 
religion was something more than a profession. 
He governed his household well, having his 
children in obedience, as all Christians should ; 
and manifested not only for them, but for all 
who might reside under his roof, a kind and 
tender Christian interest. All the members 
of his family respected him as a servant of 
Christ, because his light was constantly shining 
in his own house. They did not regard his 
religion as a sort of outside garment, which he 
put on when going out of his house, and inva- 
riably took off on his return. 

As soon as his heart was given to God, the 
family altar w T as erected in his house ; and 
neither worldly company, nor the hurry of 
business, nor anything else, would prevent his 
offering upon that altar the morning and evening 
sacrifice. Neither would he allow anything to 
interrupt his private devotions, nor abridge 
that time which he had set apart for daily com* 
munion with God, 






84 THE UNIQUE. 

He made it a point always to converse with 
his impenitent friends upon the subject of re- 
ligion, whenever suitable opportunities oc- 
curred ; and he was one of those who found 
many of these suitable opportunities. 

In the conference meeting he never declined 
taking a part, for he considered it the duty of 
every Christian to speak and pray in such 
meetings. 

In his business transactions he never sue* 
cumbed to anything underhanded and small 
to gain the advantage, but conducted them all 
with the most rigid regard to integrity ; de- 
claring "that he would give up business if he 
could not do it on Christian principle."* 
He said "he believed the reason why so many 
Christian merchants failed was, because they 
conducted their business too much like the 
men of the world. The Missionary, Educa- 
tion, Bible, Seamens', Temperance, Anti- 
slavery, Moral Reform, and every other good 

* Some professed Christians say " that it is impos- 
sible to do business on Christian principles — that 
they must succumb to the tricks of the trade or fail." 
This is not true, as many eminent Christian mer- 
chants besides Colonel Forrester can testify. 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



85 



cause, found in him a firm and uncompromising 
friend. Though a man of high standing and 
much repute in the community, he was not 
ashamed to have it known that he was a 
teacher in the Sabbath school; nor did he 
consider it beneath his dignity to distribute 
tracts with his own hand. He was not a 
stranger to the " fatherless and widow," nor 
to those "that were ready to perish;" but 
their u blessing came upon him," as he " with- 
held not his bread" from them, and " warmed 
them with the fleece of his sheep." 

He felt that it was his duty and privilege 
strictly to observe the fourth commandment, 
and therefore would never ride out, nor eat 
sumptuous dinners, # nor visit, nor read a po- 
litical newspaper, nor write letters, nor talk 
about worldly matters on the Sabbath. He 
believed that it was the Christian's duty to be 
decided for his Master abroad as well as at 
home, and therefore would never, like unde- 



* The Colonel would not allow cooking in his 
house on the Sabbath. He said " that he had no 
right to keep his help from the house of God, by 
compelling them to stay at home to provide great 
dinners." 

8 



86 THE UNIQUE. 

cided Christians, when journeying, travel on 
the Lord's day to save time. He occasionally 
spent a few weeks at Saratoga Springs with 
his family; but he was not among those Chris- 
tians who act inconsistently while there, and 
cause the ministers of that village to regard 
their coming as a curse instead of a blessing. 
He was as regular at the sanctuary while there, 
as at home, and attended the weekly prayer 
meetings, when he would bear his testimony to 
the honor of his Redeemer. 

He was once in Paris, and while there was 
strongly solicited to attend the theatre and 
opera. He answered, "It is against my prin* 
ciples." 

He was then urged to go, on the ground 
that being away from home, his example could 
do no harm, as it could not be felt across the 
w T aves of the broad Atlantic. He still refused. 
He was then told "that many American Chris- 
tians , and some American ministers had vis- 
ited these places when in Paris," and then 
was urged to go, on the ground that he need 
not be more scrupulous than they were. But 
it was in vain ! His resolution was not to be 
shaken, and he answered^ " Such as I am, by 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



87 



the grace of Gocl, in America, the same will 
I be, by the grace of God, in Paris, and 
wherever I may go. 

Colonel Forrester was a rich man, and was 
a liberal rich man. He believed that every 
Christian was bound to make his will,* and 
give more or less of his estate to the interests 
of religion. Bible, Tract, Missionary, and 
many other good societies were kindly remem- 
bered in his will; " For," said he, "I want 
the good cause of my Redeemer to have some 
of my wealth at my decease. For aught I 
know, my children may turn out worthless 
spendthrifts, (which God forbid) and if so, 
I had better make part of my money safe by 
putting it into the c Lord's bank.' M However, 
while he provided liberally for the "good 
cause of his Redeemer" after his death, he 



# Many Christians do not agree with Colonel F. 
in this respect. They are drawing near to the 
grave, having made no will. They know their 
heirs are of such a character, that when they die, 
not a cent of their property, which the Lord has 
lent them, will be appropriated to subserve the 
interests of Christ's kingdom on earth. Is it right ? 
Christian, consider ! 



88 THE UNIQUE. 

did not forget it while living — but kept an 
open purse. 

Colonel Forrester felt the most lively in- 
terest in the ministers of the gospel, and no 
man more heartily despised anything like an at- 
tempt to disparage them, than he did ; and he 
was ever ready fearlessly to defend them, either 
against the avowed enemies of religion, or against 
those professed Christians who have so little 
sense, or so little piety, as to indulge in the 
despicable business of foolish tattling against 
ministers. No man could discern more 
clearly than he could, between those who 
might be lamenting the mistakes and errors 
that ministers sometimes fall into, and those 
who were captiously ridiculing and making 
sport of them ; and while he would sympathize 
with the former, he would most severely chas- 
tise the latter. 

For his own minister he not only cherished 
the highest regard, but felt the truest sympathy. 
Every pastor can bear witness to the truth of 
the following remark ; that some Christians 
can enter into their feelings, and sympathise 
with them much more than others who may 
be equally pious. Colonel F. was one of the 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



89 



former class. He seemed to enter into the 
very heart of his pastor, and sympathize with 
him in his joys and sorrows, in his hopes and 
fears, and in his difficulties and trials. It fol- 
lowed as a matter of course, that his pastor 
became very much attached to him, and in all 
his perplexities and troubles advised with him. 
Once when party politics were running very 
high, some members of the church were much 
exasperated with their minister for voting, and 
talked very bitterly against him, so much so 
that the good man began to doubt whether it 
was best for him ever to vote again. Not be- 
ing able, quite, to make up his mind alone, he 
consulted, as usual, the Colonel. u You are 
a man," said the Colonel, u and have rights as 
a man. You are a citizen, and have rights as 
a citizen. You are a minister, and have rights 
as a minister. Use all these rights, but abuse 
none of them, remembering that you are ac- 
countable to God and not to man." His pas- 
tor knew all this before : he knew that he had 
these rights, and it was not the words them- 
selves, but the manner in which they were 
spoken that decided his course. Henceforth 
he voted whenever as a citizen he thought he 



90 THE UNIQUE. 

ought to vote; and disregarded the remarks 
weak-minded men might make about it. 

If our limits would allow, we might mention 
many more facts which would show the confi- 
dence the minister reposed in Colonel F., and 
which would also show, more conclusively 
than the one we have related, the sympathy 
and interest the Colonel felt for his pastor ; but 
we have mentioned this for a special reason, 
which, however, we think the reader had bet- 
ter not know. 

We will close this chapter by relating an 
incident which will alike exhibit the fearless 
decision of Colonel F., and his views of gos- 
pel ministers, and his feelings towards them. 

One dark, stormy night, in the city of , 

intending to go to the church, he missed 

his way, and entered a certain tabernacle, 
where a meeting was held in which any man 
was free to express his opinions, and in which 
all sorts of opinions were freely expressed. 
But the two most prominent themes of the 
evening were, the editors of religious news- 
papers, and ministers ; the latter being harped 
upon the most. The editors were showed up 
4C as a mean, witless, time-serving set of men, 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



91 



who did not know enough to last them over 
night, and were unworthily earning their salt 
by sponging the community with editorials that 
sprung from the brains of others." The 
" wolves in sheep's clothing," as the ministers 
were called, were ridiculed and abused in a 
manner which showed them up as anything 
rather than good men. The harshest names 
that man had ever devised, were none too 
harsh for the u canting, hypocritical, licentious, 
avaricious, money-making parsons," as the 
ministers were repeatedly denominated. 

The Colonel never having attended such a 
meeting before, w 7 as shocked beyond measure. 
He thought he must have fallen into a den of 
infidels ; and he w T as not very far from the 
truth, although some of the revilers professed 
to be Christians — come outers — and others 
were known to be anything but Christians. 

Whatever they were, he determined they 
should know w T hat he thought. He felt that 
he could not sit still, and that it was his duty 
to open his mouth on the behalf of the reviled. 
Accordingly, as soon as one sallow, pimple- 
faced reviler, with red, shaggy hair, sat down, 
he arose, and spoke as follows : 



92 THE UNIQUE. 

* "I know not where I am. I know not 
who any of you are, what you are, nor what 
you profess to be ; but one thing I do know, 
and that is, that many remarks have been made 
here to-night, about religious editors and min- 
isters, that are false and cruel. I believe that 
none but the most malicious and wicked of all 
God's creation could have fabricated such 
wretched and detestable lies as have come 
athwart my ears this evening." 

Here some clamor was made, but it was 
soon hushed, and the moderator, or sort of 
minister, or whatever he was, — the man who 
sat behind the desk, told him u he could go 
on, as there was liberty of speech there, and 
they would hear what he had to say." He 
then proceeded. "I do not know why you 
should feel such a malignant and bitter hatred 
against religious editors, unless it is because 
they bloio ap, sky high, such detestable, 
practical elisor ganizers as you have demons tra- 

# Should the reader think the Colonel uses too 
strong language in his speech, he must bear in mind 
that his feelings were enlisted, and that he spoke on 
the spur of the occasion. Of course he had no 
time to prepare what is called a " set speech." 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



93 



ted yourselves to be by your speeches this 
evening — speeches of much more venom than 
sense. 

" And as to ministers, notwithstanding the 
wholesale falsehoods which have been told 
here about them, there is no class of men in 
the community whose lives are so blameless, 
and who are so pure in their conduct as they 
are. I mean evangelical ministers ; for as to 
Unitarian and Universalist ministers, I have 
nothing to say, considering their sentiments as 
nothing more nor less than refined systems of 
infidelity. I speak then of evangelical minis- 
ters, and say, that as a general thing, they are 
wholly engaged in their work, trying to benefit 
the immortal souls of men. Many of them 
are constantly required to make the severest 
sacrifices for the gospel. They possess tal- 
ents and energies which in any other profes- 
sion or business of life, would insure them 
success, and much more than a comfortable 
maintenance ; in many cases, independence. 
And yet these talents and energies are conse- 
crated to the good of a people from whom 
they receive, perhaps, but a scanty pittance, 
and in too many cases, scarcely enough to 
keep the soul inside the body. 



94 THE UNIQUE. 

" These devoted men are set up as marks 
for all to shoot at ; and they are shot at with- 
out mercy, as they have been here this even- 
ing. Why, I should think the very fiends of 
the bottomless pit would blush to hear such 
vile calumnies, and such gross outrageous lies 

as have been uttered here this evening by 1 

was going to say men ; but no, I will not slan- 
der men enough to call them so — by some 
sort of indescribably wicked monsters in the 
shape of men. The trials of a minister's life 
are wholly known to none but ministers. 
Other men cannot form an adequate concep- 
tion of the thousand vexing troubles that are 
continually occurring to worry and perplex the 
minister's mind. 

"He must patiently bear all that is put upon 
him — must never complain, however heavy 
his burden may be. He must willingly lend 
his ear to every foolish complaint, must sympa- 
thize with all, must put up with every morbid 
conscience, must bear with every misguided 
zeal, and must endure the impertinence of the 
ignorant and insolent. The most ridiculous 
stories may be circulated about his character 
and ministry, which are seized upon with avid- 



COL. RICHARD FORRESTER. 



95 



ity, and repeated with diligent haste and many 
aggravations ; and men, with grave faces, ask 
if they are true. 

"The young, the middle aged and the old, 
all feel at liberty to canvass his course of ac- 
tion, and sit in judgment upon his preaching, 
his life, his motives. If he does not bear the 
censure of a young, ignorant, conceited mem* 
ber of his church with all the meekness of 
Moses, the report goes like wildfire that he 
shows a bad spirit, and is unwilling to take 
advice. 

"The minister, too, has many struggles of 
heart, and inward trials, about his church and 
congregation. He feels a feverish solicitude 
and anxiety for his hearers. Little do they 
know of his prayers and deep distress of soul 
on their behalf. These, with innumerable 
other things, make the minister's lot a hard 
one. It is not a bed of down ! There are 
many thorns in it ! His life is none of the 
easiest ! ! 

" And now where are the men who have 
so much to contend with, and yet so meekly 
bear their burden ? And where is the class 
of men who in purity of life can compare with 



96 THE UNIQUE. 

evangelical ministers ? I call upon their re- 
vilers here present, for an answer. I call 
upon these calumniators to look at themselves; 
to look at their neighbors ; to look at the com- 
munity ; and answer me this question. And 
to that villifying being sitting there (pointing 
to the pimple-faced, red, shaggy haired man) 
who last reviled, I would say, with all your 
malice and venom against the servants of God, 
I challenge you, I defy you to show me the 
class of men whose lives can compare with 
theirs. May the Lord have mercy upon your 
poor, wretched soul, for your own wicked 
tongue has betrayed you, that you are in the 
4 gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity.' " 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



97 



CHAPTER XL 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW, 

Between a pastor, who prided himself 
upon being very analytical in all his sermons, 
and who was out of all patience with any one 
who did not keep to the point in reasoning, 
and who withal was somewhat nervous ; and a 
good brother in his church, who was not very 
remarkable for the conclusiveness of his reason* 
ing. 

Brother, I called to talk with you about 
that are temperance sermon you preached last 
evening. 

Pastor. What have you to say about it ? 

B. Idid'nt like it much. I think you 
was too hard on us. I don't know no mem-; 
bers of our church, that uphold rum-drinking 
in the way you said, and as for me, I'm sure 
I've been on the temperance side for years. 

P. In what way ? What do you refer to ? 

B. Why, you said Christians upheld rum- 
drinking, when they did'nt take no stand agin it. 
9 



98 THE UNIQUE. 

P. Well, what then ? Is not that true ? 
If you say nothing against an evil, is not that 
countenancing it ? 

B. But I do say a great deal agin it. 

P. That is not the point ! I said nothing 
about you in my sermon. The question is, 
do all Christians take a stand in favor of tem- 
perance ? 

-B. Our church does as far as I know, and 
I guess I know as much about 'em as any- 
body. 

P. What has our church to do with it ? 
I did not say a word about our church. 

jB. I know you did'nt call the church out 
by name, but we all knew you meant us, and 
we thought it was goin a great ways too far to 
hold us up, as bein agin the temperance cause. 

P. It is strange you knew I meant the 
church, when I did not know it myself. I 
had nothing to say about the church in any 
manner. What in the world had our church 
to do with any temperance sermon ? 

B. I thought you meant us, and others 
thought so too, and was very much hurt. 

P. That is stranger yet — hurt ! I cannot 
conceive what they w T ere hurt about. Did 
you feel hurt too ? 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



99 



B. Sartinly I did, or I shouldn't come 
here to talk with you about it. 

P. But why were your feelings hurt ? 
What about ? 

JB. Why, as I jest said, because you was 
so hard on us. 

P. I do not see as there is any use in 
talking about the matter. I tell you I did not 
refer to the church at all. 

B. Well, the church think you meant 'em. 

P. I do not see how any persons could 
have thought I meant them, unless their own 
consciences convicted them. They must feel 
guilty, or they would not have thought so. 

B. Guilty — guilty of what ? 

P. Guilty of not taking a stand in favor of 
temperance ; and if any of them are guilty, I 
did mean them. 

B. But you jest said you didn't mean the 
church. 

P. So I say now. I did not mean the 
church as a church. 1 was preaching about 
Christians working in the temperance cause ; 
and said, that I believe that those Christians 
who did not take a stand in favor of temper- 
ance, uphold rum-drinking. And I say it 






100 THE UNIQUE. 

now, and intend on all proper occasions to say it, 
and if there are any members of our church 
who are not willing to come up and do their 
duty in this cause, I did mean them among 
others. The fact that some of them feel hurt 
as you say, leads me strongly to suspect that 
they are conscious of not discharging their 
duty, and therefore, as is very apt to be the 
case, when a man is convicted by his own 
conscience, supposed I meant them. 

B. I was one that was hurt ; do you think 
my conscience made me feel kind-er guilty ? 

P. I presume it did, for I have never 
known you to manifest any particular interest 
in the temperance reformation. 

jB. I do feel interested about it, but I 
don't make such a pint on't as some folks do. 

P. Do not make a point of it ! — How do 
you show your interest ? Have you joined 
the society ? 

B. No, I never jined. 

P. Why not ? 

B. Because I an't goin to sign away my 
liberty for any man. 

P. I am sorry to hear you sing that hack- 
neyed song about signing away liberty. Do 
you use intoxicating liquors ? 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



101 



J5. No — I haven't drunk a drop of speret 
for six years. I am a real temperance man, 
but I don't want no pledges. 

P. Why not ? Why are you unwilling to 
join the society if you use no spirits ? 

jB. Because I want folks to know that I 
can be a sober man without takin no pledge. 

P. There is no use then in talking with 
you. If you consider a mere childish notion 
of not wanting to pledge yourself, sufficient to 
counterbalance the fact, that you are standing 
in the way of others who ought to sign at 
once, and also as an offset to throwing your 
influence in favor of intemperance, you are so 
unreasonable, that time spent in talking with 
you is thrown away. 

B. You 're too hard on me ; I don't throw 
my influence in favor of intemperance. 

P. If you don't positively, you do nega- 
tively. 

B. I don't know what you mean by that. 

P. Why, if you do not work against in- 
temperance, you are countenancing it. 

B. I don't see it so. 

P. Don't see it so ! — It is time then you 
did. It is just such men as you are, who are 
9* 



10 6 2 THE UNIQUE. 

standing more in the way of the temperance 
cause than any thing else at the present time. 
Professed Christians refusing to sign the 
pledge ! And who is it that thanks you for 
it ? Not good men, but the rum-seller, and 
the drunkard ! Yes, you are the song of the 
drunkard, and the devil rejoices in the stand 
you take. No doubt some miserable ragged 
sot is quoting you at the present time, and re- 
fusing to join the society, because you refuse. 
You know not how many you may save from 
a drunkard's grave by signing the pledge at 
once. 

B. I never thought on't so before. 

P. It is high time for you now then, to 
begin to view it so — Your conscience testi- 
fies this moment, that you have not done your 
duty — You would not have come here this 
morning, or have felt hurt by the discourse 
last evening, if you had felt satisfied with your 
course. Now candidly tell me, am I not cor- 
rect ? 

B. Why sometimes Pve had doubts, and 
thought perhaps I ought to jine the society 
for the sake of others. 

P. I felt sure such was the fact. Now 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



103 



then, as it can do no harm to any one, join 
the society, and let the world know you 
are a true teetotaller. Throw away all that 
nonsense about pledging and signing away 
liberty, and do your whole duty as a man, and 
a Christian. Now will you not do it ? Re- 
member, by so doing, you will, at least, re- 
move one stumbling block out of the drunk- 
ard's way. You will do it — will you not ? 

B. I don't want to say sartin, but I'll 
think on't. 

We can give the reader no further informa- 
tion about this interview ; for seeing the min- 
ister was considerably nervous^ and out of pa- 
tience with this poor brother, we came away 
when the conversation had progressed thus far. 



104 THE UNIQUE. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE CONTRAST.— UGLY DEACON BRAKE.— GOOD 
DEACON DRAKE. 

Salathiel Brake was one of the deacons of 
a church in Connecticut. He was a tall, gaunt 
man, and had a long, meagre, shallow face, 
with a very sharp nose. He was not a man 
of very kind spirit, and always appeared as if 
something had happened to make him particu- 
larly crabbed and morose. 

He was never very courteous in his beha- 
vior, and consequently was not regarded as a 
dignified and affable gentleman. His neigh- 
bors did not look upon him with much respect, 
because they believed he was trickey and un- 
derhanded in his business transactions. He 
was considered as no ornament, either to his 
profession as a Christian, or to his office as a 
deacon, on account of the inconsistencies in 
his walk and conversation. His heart was a 
stranger to true benevolence ; and as to char- 
ity, he gave not a cent, unless it could be bla- 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



105 



zoned with a trumpet's tongue. He was quite 
rich in the things of this world, but so poor m 
faith, that the egg of an animalcule might have 
held it all, and yet had room to spare. 

In the church, he was positive and die- 
tatorial, and was always univilling to yield in 
the least, to the opinions and wishes of his 
brethren. He was an exceedingly troublesome 
man to his pastors, and made more difficulty 
for them than all the rest of the church put 
together ; and was actually the means of dri- 
ving several of them away. He appeared to 
take delight in perplexing and worrying his 
minister. He never seemed at rest in the 
church, unless he had something on the dock- 
et, which caused exciting discussions ; and 
as he was as fickle as the wind, he presented 
the sort of living paradox, of violently sup- 
porting both sides of a question, that is, at 
different times. For instance, one time he 
was a flaming abolitionist, and nothing would 
do, but to open the meeting-house to all sorts 
of anti-slavery lecturers, and yet, in less than 
a year, his views and feelings had so changed, 
that he effectually vetoed the opening of the 
house to one of the best lecturers in the land. 



106 THE UNIQUE. 

In a similar manner he wheeled about in re- 
ference to the temperance question, and several 
other topics of interest, that came before the 
church. 

No one could tell, when any subject was 
brought before the church, on which side dea- 
con Brake would be found, from knowing the 
side he had formerly espoused ; but all knew, 
that let the subject be what it would, he 
would talk loud, long, and fiercely about it. 
It was always a relief to the brethren, if he 
was out of town, or if any thing happened to 
detain him at home on church meeting eve- 
ning. If he was ill, they were not glad of his 
sickness, but they were glad if the church 
meeting occurred while he was sick, for his 
unkindness, and harshness, and poor counsels 
were never desirable at the meeting. # 

But we take pleasure in turning from him, 
to speak of Simon Drake, who was one of 

* This deacon ought to have been disciplined, 
and he would have been, if the church had had the 
spirit they ought to have had ; but the fact was, he 
had in some unaccountable way gained such a 
Popish ascendancy over the minds of many, that 
the church were afraid of him. 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



107 



he deacons of a church in Vermont. He 
vas a stout, thick man, and had a round, 
dump, florid face, with a very blunt nose. 
3e teas a man of very kind spirit, and always 
ppeared as if something had happened to 
nake him particularly pleasant and cheerful. 
le was always very courteous in his behavior, 
nd was consequently regarded as a dignified 
nd affable gentleman. His neighbors looked 
pon him with much respect, as he was known 
d be honest and honorable in all his business 
ransactions. He was considered as an orna- 
ient both to his profession as a Christian, and 
o his office as a deacon, because he was so 
onsistent in his walk and conversation. 

His heart w 7 as filled with benevolence ; and 
s to charity, he gave all he could, but his 
3ft hand never knew what his right hand did. 
le was rather poor in the things of this world, 
ut so rich in faith that he could almost re- 
love mountains. 

In the church, he was diffident and unas- 
urning) and was always willing to yield (save 
/here principle was concerned) to the opin- 
3ns and wishes of his brethren. He was nev- 
r known to make any trouble for his pastors, 



108 THE UNIQUE. 

but was invariably ready to assist them, and 
do all he could for them, when they were in 
trouble with any one else. He abominated 
that feeling which takes delight in torturing the 
pastor, and was always cheerfully doing some- 
thing to strengthen his hands and encourage 
his heart. He could not feel to rest, when 
there was any thing like angry discussion in 
the church, and always opposed the introduc- 
tion of any subject which would provoke such 
discussion. 

As he was not a fickle man he never sup- 
ported but one side of a question. He was a 
plain, straight forward, consistent abolitionist, 
a firm and actice temperance man, and he felt 
interested in every good cause. 

Every one could tell, when any subject was 
brought before the church, on which side dea- 
con Drake would be found, from knowing the 
.side he had formerly espoused ; and all knew T , 
that let the subject be what it might, if he 
spoke, he would speak loiv, short, and mildly. 
The brethren always were sorry if he were 
out of town, or if any thing happened to de- 
tain him at home on church meeting evening. 

If he were sick they always hoped that he 



TEMPERANCE INTERVIEW. 



109 



tfould be icell before that evening came, be- 
cause his kindness, and mildness, and good 
counsels were always desirable at that meeting. 
We might go on still farther, and in a simi- 
lar style of writing, show the striking contrast 
)etween these two deacons. But we have al- 
•eady written sufficient to give a hint of the 
character of each, and that is all that is neces- 
;ary. The reader can easily imagine, how 
?ach of these men would act in the different 
•elations of life, and if he is a minister, he can 
juickly decide which of the two he would 
choose for a deacon of his own church. 



N 



110 THE UNIQUE, 



CHAPTER XIII. 

REV. JAMES JENKINSON JENKINS. 

" Himself he view'd with undisguised respect, 
And never pardoned freedom or neglect." 

It was in 18— that the Rev. J. Jenkinson 
Jenkins, (as he wrote his name) resigned the 
pastoral care of the large church in the city of 
3 somewhere between Maine and Geor- 
gia. The reason why he resigned was a 
very good one. It was this — the people were 
much dissatisfied with him. The reason why 
the people were much dissatisfied with him, 
may, perhaps, be gathered from what is con- 
tained in this chapter. 

Mr. Jenkins was a man of acknowledged 
talent. He could write as good a sermon as 
most any other minister, and his discourses 
invariably afforded the evidence of much think- 
ing and study. They gave ample proof that 
he possessed a clear and discriminating intel- 
lect ; and they were couched in language chaste 



REV. JAMES JENKINSON JENKINS. 



Ill 



and strong ; and their reasoning was always con- 
secutive and convincing : if they were lacking 
in any thing, it was in the imaginative. Perhaps 
the brilliant "coruscations" of a fertile imagi- 
nation, flashing a little here and there in his 
sermons, might have relieved them of a sort of 
cold stateliness, which was somewhat appar- 
ent in them. This might have improved 
them, in the estimation of some. However, 
they were sterling coin, just as they came 
from his mint. 

But, notwithstanding his good sermons, Mr. 
Jenkins did not move along very comfortably 
as a pastor. He did not seem to have the 
tact of winning the affections of his people, 
indeed, he did not desire it, for he often re- 
marked that he would much rather have their 
respect than their love. Once conversing with 
a young ministering brother about mingling 
with the people, he said, "it is best always to 
preserve your dignity among them, for although 
they may not love you as much, they will re- 
spect you the more, and that is what ministers 
should desire ; they should wish and strive to 
be respected." 

He had imbibed the erroneous idea that he 



112 THE UNIQUE. 

could not be respected, if he was sociable with 
his people, and therefore always treated them 
with considerable formality, and sometimes 
very cavalierly. u To be really sociable," said 
he, u as many ministers are, is highly derog- 
atory to the character of a clergyman. It is 
sinking his dignity exceedingly, and shows that 
he has no self respect, and, of course, then, the 
people will not respect him. Now I had a thou- 
sand times rather my people would fear and re- 
spect me, than love me to death on account of 
being sociable and pleasant." He seemed to 
overlook the fact, that true dignity is always 
blended with urbanity of speech and manner. 

Perhaps he read Shakspeare full as much 
as was profitable for a minister ; and he was 
very fond of quoting him, and altering some of 
his passages more or less, to suit his own 
views. As for instance the passage in King 
Henry the Fourth, 

" The skipping king, he ambled up and down 
With shallow jesters, and rash bavin wits, 
Mingled his royalty with capering fools ; 
Had his great name profaned with their scorns^ 
And gave his countenance against his name,. 
To laugh at gibing boys, and stand the push 
Of every beardless vain comparative L" 



REV. JAMES JENKINSON JENKINS. 113 

he would alter after the following fashion, and 
repeat with much zest in the presence of any 
minister whom, he thought, did not think 
enough of being respected, and was too socia- 
ble among the people. 

" The skipping parson, ambled through the streets 

With shallow jesters, and weak headed wits, 

Mingled his ministry w T ith chattering folks ; 

Had his great name made common with their mirth; 

And gave his countenance against his name, 

To laugh, and pleasant be, and sociable 

With Jemmy, and Tom, and Dick, and Harry." 

e< There," he would say, u Shakspeare 
and I together have drawn the character of a 
sociable minister." 

As to visiting, there was considerable com- 
plaint among his people, for he did not calcu- 
late to do much in that way, be the issue what 
it might. He said, " he had no patience with 
those ministers who were all the time gadding 
about their parishes ; for they might know the 
people could not respect them, if they pursued 
such 



a course. 



->-) 



He said " he considered it sufficient, if he 
called upon those of his flock who were sick, 
pr had sickness in their families ; and that it 
JQ* 



114 THE UNIQUE. 

was a work of undignified supererogation to 
call upon any others ; and that, for his part, 
he would not do it, but would remain at home 
studying his sermons, that he might bring 
1 beaten oil ' into the sanctuary on the Sab- 
bath." 

Such were the feelings that Mr. Jenkins 

had, when he entered upon his labors at , 

and such were the feelings that he cherished 
during the (I will not say, how many) years 
that he remained there. 

Can it reasonably be supposed that the 
church and congregation should have formed a 
very strong attachment to their pastor ? It 
soon became evident that such was the fact, 
and that, whatever other feelings they might, 
have towards him, they did not love him. 
The more intelligent portion of his hearers 
did respect him as a man of talent, and were 
pleased and edified with his sermons ; but the 
other portion neither respected him, nor loved 
him, nor cared for him. 

The people in were a very kind and 

affectionate people, and needed a pastor who 
could warmly reciprocate their feelings. Such 
pastors t}]ey had been accustomed to have, 



REV. JAMES JENKINSON JENKINS. 



115 



and they had lived and labored with them in 
uninterrupted harmony and usefulness. And 
if Mr. Jenkins had exhibited the spirit which 
a minister of the gospel ever should exhibit; 
if he had acted the part of the Christian gen- 
tleman, the part of a kind and attentive min- 
ister, the part of a meek and devoted pastor ; 
if he had mingled with his flock in cheerful 
and consistent intercourse ; if he had mani- 
fested a tender interest in their joys and sor- 
rows ; he might have remained with them till 
the day of his death ; he might have been not 
only respected, but sincerely and ardently be- 
loved ; he might have exerted a widely extend- 
ed influence ; and doubtless might have been 
the honored instrument of "turning many sin* 
ners to righteousness." 

But alas ! He was determined to pursue 
his own misguided course. He would not 
listen to the prudent counsels of other inter- 
ested ministers, who were grieved with the 
folly of his way, and who, in the spirit of their 
Master, tried to reclaim him; but he gave them 
to understand, that he regarded their advice as 
uncalled for, and as rude officiousness. 

He would not take heed to the gentle ex- 



116 THE UNIQUE. 

postulations of his best and most intelligent 
parishioners, but would answer them with 
much apparent asperity of feeling, "I know 
my rights, and I am as competent to judge, 
what is most advisable for me to do, as any 
other man. I shall not lower my self respect 
to receive dictation from any one, nor shall I 
run the risk of losing the RESPECT of oth- 
ers by changing my course. I shall act as I 
see fit, and if the people are pleased, it is 
well ; if they are not pleased, it is well ; I 
shall not trouble myself to do any thing differ- 
ently from what I have done." 

As might be supposed the people became 
discontented, and lamented the day they had 
ever settled him. The dissatisfaction contin- 
ued to increase, till he was compelled to resign 
his pastoral charge. 

Thus was dissolved a connection, which, 
but for his waywardness, might have been use- 
ful and lasting ; and might have been all that 
could be desired. 



CHEATING BY CHURCHES AS CHURCHES. 117 



CHAPTER XIV. 



CHEATING BY CHURCHES; AS CHURCHES. 



Samuel Greiting was a plain, straightfor- 
ward sort of a man, by trade a shoemaker. 
He was a man of good common sense, and 
was a praying, devoted Christian. He acted 
on principle in his family, and out of it ; on 
the week days, as well as on the Sabbath ; in 
the world, as well as in the church. He con- 
ducted his business on principle, and was 
scrupulously honest in all his dealings ; and no 
man could convince him that there was any 
good reason why all Christians, and in fact 
churches also', should not act on principle. 

One day as he was in his shop (which was 
located not in Philadelphia, but somewhere 
within a thousand miles of that city of u brother- 
ly love,") with his Bible open before him, for 
he was accustomed, as he sat upon his bench, 
hammering the leather upon the lap-stone, or 
driving the pegs into the shoes, to have his 



118 THE UNIQUE. 

Bible on a little stool, opened, that be might 
read a verse, and then think of it as he work- 
ed ; we say, one day as he was thus engaged, 
raising his head, he saw Dr. Barclay passing 
by his window. He immediately dropped his 
work, ran to the door, and cried out, doctor, 
"why is cheating in a church any less sinful 
than in individuals?" Dr. Barclay being thus 
suddenly accosted, turned round, walked back, 
and entered the shop, saying as he w 7 as enter- 
ing, " what do you mean, brother Greiting? 
What are you at now ?" 

Greiting. Why this morning I read this 
passage in the ninth chapter, 14th verse of 1 
Corinthians, (reading it loud) "Even so hath 
the Lord ordained, that they which preach the 
Gospel should live of the Gospel," and I have 
been thinking it over since, and it seems to me 
that many of our churches don't keep it in 
mind, for how many of them there are which 
do not support their ministers, and do not 
even pay them as much as they ought consid- 
ering their ability, and how many churches too, 
let their ministers go away unpaid, and then 
refuse even to pay them. Now where is prin- 
ciple^ christian principle, when churches 
conduct in this manner? 



CHEATING BY CHURCHES AS CHURCHES. 119 



Doctor. I suppose some of our churches 
do not provide for their pastors as well as they 
can, but I reckon it is not often the case that 
a minister goes away without being paid all 
arrearages. 

G. Oh, yes it is. 

D. Do you know of many such cases ? 

G. Yes, indeed I do. There was good 

father B- who labored for the church in 

sometime, and when he left them, they 

Dwed him seventy dollars. He has repeated- 
ly requested them to do something about it, 
3ut they refuse. He told them that if they 
>vould take up a contribution for him, he would 
*ive them a receipt in full, even if it did 
lot amount to ten dollars, but they wouldn't 
do it. Now if that's not cheating, I don't 
enow what cheating is. Then there was 

brother L , the church in owed him 

nore than $300, and they have never paid 
jim one cent of it to this day. There was 

ather D too, the church in owed 

iim $400 when he left, and they might have 
)aid him the whole of it, before this time, if 
hey had raised only thirty dollars a year to- 
wards it — but they have never paid him a 



120 THE UNIQUE. 

levy* of it. Then the church in owes 

brother R — — $200, and they won't pay him, 

and brother M- has never yet been paid 

by the church in . Now all these cases 

I consider just as much cheating, as it would 
be for me to agree to pay you $500 for a 
year's labor, and then only pay $250, and re- 
fuse to pay the rest. Don't you ? 

D. Why yes, I suppose it is— but you 
know it is said that corporations and associa- 
tions have no souls, and I suppose churches 
are included, for they are associations of be* 
lievers, and the societies connected with them, 
you know, are often incorporated. 

G. Well, if they don't have souls they 
ought to have, and churches especially, should 
not cheat, but act on principle, or else they 
disgrace religion. 

jD. That is true, but what can we do about 
It ? I do not see as we can do anything. 
Do you ? 

G. Yes, something can be done about it. 
If other churches and ministers would take 
the stand they ought to, the evil would soon 
cease. 

# That is twelve and a half cents* 



CHEATING BY CHURCHES AS CHURCHES. 121 



D. What stand ? 

G. Suppose a church, as a body, should 
uphold the drinking of ardent spirits, it would 
be considered such a grievous sin that other 
churches would not fellowship them, and good 
ministers would not preach for them ; so they 
would be compelled to renounce this iniquity. 
In the same way they should conduct towards 
a church that refuses to pay its honest debts. 
Now take these churches I have mentioned. 
If other churches and ministers refused to fel- 
lowship them, or have any thing to do with 
them, till they paid their minister, they would 
soon clear off their debts. But as long as 
;hey are fellowshipped just as if they had never* 
cheated their ministers, so long will they con- 
;inue their iniquity. 

D. I know that is the true course, and if 
churches and ministers would act on principle, 
hey would follow that course. But they will 
lot, so I do not see as the evil can be cured. 

G. It makes me heart sick, when I think 
low little real principle there is among Chris- 
ians. Now if I was a minister, I would no 
nore assist in ordaining a man over a church 
vhich had cheated their last pastor, than I 
11 



122 THE UNIQUE, 

would over a church which had voted that in- 
toxication was no evil. But yet, ministers 
will take part in ordination services, when they 
know the church has cheated their pastors, 
and not say a syllable about the sin of it. If 
I should be sent as a delegate to such a church, 
when they were going to ordain a minister, I 
would refuse to act, and tell them plainly my 
reason was, because they had not paid their 
honest debts. 

D. Dear me ! It would make a stir if 
you should. 

G. Well, it is time there should be a stir. 
The people of God have slept over this evil 
long enough. It is time for the churches to 
act on principle, and neither cheat, nor coun- 
tenance cheating, any longer. Sins in 
churches should not be connived at by other 
churches. 

D. That is true^ and I wish all Christians 
were of the same opinion. 

G. And did you ever think, doctor, how 
mean it is, thus to cheat ministers? If a 
church owed a worldly man an $100, it would 
be paid, because they would be afraid of being 
sued. But if they owe a minister, they say, 



CHEATING BY CHURCHES AS CHURCHES. 123 



he'll not take advantage of the law, and so 
they will meanly rest contented to owe him 
forever. 

I don't approve of Christians going to law, 
or else I should hope that some minister who 
has been cheated, would prosecute the cheating 
church, that Christians who will not do right 
from principle, might be compelled by the law 
to do so. 

-D. Well brother Greiting, what do you 
think of those churches which in building a 
meeting-house, so contrive the plan, that if 
there is any loss, it shall fall on the mechanics 
who erected it ? 

G. What do I think ! I think it is down- 
right cheating, and shows a dreadful lack of 
principle. 

D. What do you think of churches, which 
allow their agents in getting subscriptions for 
building a meeting-house, to have on their list 
the name of some prominent man for a large 
sum, which, it is understood, he is never to be 
called upon to pay, merely to induce others 
to subscribe liberally ? 

G. Any church that will consent to that, 
I consider guilty of the vilest hypocrisy, but 



124 THE UNIQUE. 

don't ask me any more such questions, for I 
hate to think of such things among the church- 
es of Christ. It grieves me to my very soul, 
when I think how little real principle there is. 
I trust the day will come when there will be 
more of it among God's people. 

D. So do I, and I must try myself to act 
more from principle than I have. 

G. And so must I, and may the Lord 
help me to do it. 

The doctor now took his departure, and 
Samuel Greiting again sat himself down to 
work, and rap, rap, rap, went his hammer 
o'er his lap-stone, as he said to himself — 
"The Lord, not man — the Lord, the great 
head of the church, has said — has ordained — 
that those who preach the Gospel should live 
of the Gospel. I am afraid that some of our 
churches forget, — that the Lord has ordained 
this. They must think man has ordained it, 
or else they would not half starve their minis- 
ters, nor cheat them. Oh ! — that there was 
more principle among Christians. 



REV. CHRISTOPHER FICKLE. 



125 



CHAPTER XV. 



REV. CHRISTOPHER FICKLE. 



u - ? Tis strange, ? tis passing strange, 
That such a man, a man of so much sense 
Should be so fickle minded." 

Rev. Ferdinand Fickle, the grandfather of 
Rev. Christopher Fickle, was a man of gigan- 
tic stature, gigantic intellect, gigantic resolution, 
and gigantic strength. He was said to be the 
strongest man in the northern part of England, 
and was frequently challenged by the most 
powerful men of his country to a trial of 
strength. These challenges, however, he in- 
variably declined, considering it incompatible 
with his dignity as a minister of the gospel to 
accept them. One man who had rode a long 
distance (as the story goes) for the purpose of 
trying his physical powers with him, after 
vainly endeavoring to induce him to engage, 
rudely seized him, being determined to know 

which was the stronger of the two. Mr. 
11* 



126 THE UNIQUE. 

Fickle very calmly took him up, and threw 
him over a neighboring fence. The man, 
being fully satisfied ivliich was the stronger of 
the two, and not the least out of temper, 
though somewhat bruised, good naturedly said, 
u Be kind enough to throw my horse over, 
and I will be going." 

Solomon, his son, was like his father in two 
respects, and unlike him in two. He was of 
gigantic stature and strength, but of inferior 
intellect, and of no resolution. He ran away 
from home when thirteen years of age, and 
went to sea. At seventeen, being tired of 
the ocean, he quitted the mariner's life, and 
commenced learning the trade of a carpenter. 
Having worked at this trade about thirteen 
months, he ran away from his master, and en- 
listed in the dragoon service for three years. 
At the expiration of two years he deserted, 
and took passage in a ship for Canada. He 
was wrecked on a desolate part of Newfound- 
land, and nearly died of starvation before he 
found a human habitation. He at last arrived 
in Canada, and remained there three years, 
and then returned to England, and opened a 
store in his native town. Being soon wearied 



REV. CHRISTOPHER FICKLE. 



127 



of the confinement of business, he went to 
London, and for sometime worked in a brew- 
ery, then in a dye-house, and next as a porter 
at the custom house, and finally he was the 
coachman of a nobleman — Sir Somebody; (we 
forget his name). From London he went to 
Sheffield, where he was engaged in a cutlery 
house. He next went to a small town near 
Shrewsbury, where he was a deputy sheriff, 
or something of the kind. He next went to 
Manchester, where he was engaged in the 
factories three years. From Manchester he 
went to Liverpool, and opened a public house. 
He, however, did not succeed very well, and 
in 17 — he emigrated to America. On the 
passage, about equidistant from Old and New 
England, Christopher was introduced into this 
world. Mr. Solomon Fickle settled in New 
York state, but died in less than a year. 

Rev. Christopher Fickle was like his grand- 
father in intellect, like his father in irresolution, 
like both of them in stature, and like neither 
of them in physical strength. In this last par- 
ticular he was inferior to them both. Having 
a superior intellect, his fickleness of character 
did not lead him quite such a zigzag course as 



128 THE UNIQUE. 

his poor father had run ; however, it was zig- 
zag enough. 

We will pass over the erratic race of his 
youthful days, in reference to his sports, his 
school, his friends and relations. Suffice it to 
say he was curious and wayward enough to 
please the most eccentric genius that has ever 
appeared in the shape of man. We will speak 
of him only after he had experienced the grace 
of God, and was settled as a minister. He 
was engaged to be married to four ladies be- 
fore he did marry one ; and it is said that in 
less than a week after he married that one, he 
repented of his choice, because he then saw 
another lady whom he thought he could have 
loved still better. His book shelves, tables, 
chairs and desk, in his study, changed places 
every morning, because he did not like to see 
them in the same spot two successive days. 
Some affirm that the only thing which occa- 
sioned any altercation between him and Mrs. 
Fickle was, his repeated attempts to change 
the furniture in other parts of the house from 
place to place. Others deny this, and contend 
that there were a diversity of matters which 
produced pleasant little quarrels and amiable 
jars between them. 



REV. CHRISTOPHER FICKLE. 



129 



Mr. Fickle was ordained over a church in 
he western part of New York, where he re- 
named a year and a half; and then, thinking 
bat he should like the Great Valley better, 
emoved to Indiana. In that state he labored 
n three places, but finding many hardships 
nd privations to undergo in that then newly 
ettled country, the cost of which he had not 
[uly counted previous to his going thither, he 
>ecame wearied and restless, and concluded 
bat the Southern country would suit him better. 

Accordingly he removed to Alabama, where 
le was the pastor of two churches, but he did 
lot feel at home with either of them. He 
ould not get along with slavery. He said 
4 notwithstanding all the arguments the slave- 
lolders adduced in behalf of their 4 divine insti- 
ution,' he could not make it look right to hold 
L fellow man in bondage, and sell him as you 
vould sell a brute." 

He thought that he might feel contented 
nd happy in the Middle States, and conse- 
quently took up the line of march for Penn- 
ylvania, where he settled over a large and 
)rosperous church, and where he remained 
onger than he ever did in any other place. 



130 THE UNIQUE. 

When he left that state, he located in New 
Jersey, where, however, he did not tarry one 
year. His next move brought him into New 
England, where he was the pastor of three 
churches ; one in Connecticut, and two in 
Massachusetts. He did not like the Yankees 
much, "because," as he said, " they cared 
more for their dollars than they did for their 
souls." 

From Massachusetts he went into New York 
state again, and is now settled within thirty- 
seven miles of the place where he was ordained. 
He, however, does not feel satisfied, and is 
thinking about going to Michigan or Ohio. 
He says it is difficult for him to determine 
which of these two fields presents the most 
promising prospect. 

Some may say, I cannot understand how 
such a fickle sort of character can be a man of 
gigantic intellect. Whether it can be under- 
stood or not, such is the fact. Mr. Fickle is 
a man of splendid powers of mind. He can 
write as fine a sermon, or as able an article for 
the North American Review or the Biblical 
Repository, as any D. D. in the land. Some 
may say, How can he confine his mind long 



flEV. CHRISTOPHER FICKLE. 



131 



riough to one point to prepare anything elabo- 
itely ? Paradoxical as it may appear, no 
lan can study or think more intensely for six 
ours in succession, than Mr. Fickle. After 
oing into his study in the morning, and chang- 
ig his book shelves, and table, and chairs^ 
id desk for the day, he will sit down to his 
ork, and scarcely move till dinner hour, so 
rapt up will he be in his sermon, or whatever 
s may be engaged about. Through the af- 
irnoon and evening, however, during which 
3 never pretends to study, he will not have 
le same mind three minutes together about 
lything. 

As a preacher^ Mr. Fickle is very popular, 
[e has a full, clear, sonorous voice, enunciates 
istinctly, though he speaks with rapidity ; is 
itirely unsophisticated in his manner, every 
3sture being perfectly easy, graceful and nat- 
*al ; and he delivers the messages of life and 
?ace as if his whole heart and soul were 
Dund up in them. 

Notwithstanding Mr. Fickle has moved about 
> much, he has been very useful as a minister, 
iis preaching has been blessed of God abun* 
intly, and powerful revivals have prevailed in 



132 THE UNIQUE. 

many of the places where he has labored. 
Probably there are but few if any ministers in 
the land, who have baptized more converts ; 
that is, ministers of his age, for he is not the 
oldest man in the world yet. A half century 
has not passed over his head. 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



133 



CHAPTER XVL 



Extracts from the diary of rev. bar2i]> 
lai barmley. 



Jan. 13. Preached this afternoon upon 
the duty and privilege of family prayer, as I 
have discovered that several of our brethren 
neglect it. One man says "he cannot find 
time to pray in his family, because his business 
is so urgent. 5 ' Another one says "he has no 
gift for prayer;" and another, "that he has 
neglected it so long, that he is now ashamed 
to commence it." 

Jan. 16. Preached this noon at the poor j 
house. Many of the poor creatures were very 
attentive, and some seemed much affected. 

Jan. 22. Am very sorry to hear from our 
superintendent that the teachers' meetings 
lately have not been well attended. I must 
attend them myself after this, and see if I can- 
not get the teachers more interested in them. 

Feb. 9. Had a long talk with br. M— , 
12 



134 The unique. 

to induce him to speak and pray in the confer* 
ence meeting. He says "he can't do it, be- 
cause he has no gift." He acknowledges that 
he often in political caucusses speaks an hour ; 
but poor man, he can find no tongue to pray, 
or to give the word of exhortation in a religious 
meeting. 

March. 4. Attended the funeral of Mr. L. 
A truly pious man. No doubt he has gone 
home to glory. 

March 12. Preached this evening in 
school-house. Universalist interrupted the 
exercises. Two inquirers. 

April 3. Had some conversation with br. 
D. He is much worked up, but I trust a 
little reflection will cool him. 

Jlpril 11. Married two couples. Re- 
ceived $3 and $5. These $8 will more 
than pay for that wood Mr. N. brought me 
yesterday. 

May 8. Br. B. called to lecture me 
about my long sermons. He seemed un- 
necessarily excited. After he was gone, I 
thought over the different complaints my peo- 
ple make. They are many. Have now been 
here nearly five years, and the following are 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



135 



those which I now remember, and I mean to 
put down all I hear hereafter, so that when I 
leave here, be it sooner or later, I may know 
the sum total of complaints. I put down the 
complaints in the words of the complainers. 

1. You don't visit enough. 

2. You do not study as much as you should. 

3. You are confined to your books more 
than you ought to be. 

4. You preach too much about election. 

5. You hammer too much on practical 
duties. 

6. You preach too many doctrinal ser- 
mons. 

7. You appear haughty and proud. 

8. You are too reserved for our people, 
md ought to be more sociable. 

9. You are too free and chatty for a min- 
ster. 

10. You are too particular about your dress. 

1 1 . You are sometimes very careless about 
four dress. 

12. Your sermons are too learned. 

13. Some of your discourses are more 
ow and vulgar than our people like. 

14» You preach more than is profitable to 
christians. 



136 THE UNIQUE. 

15. Too many of your sermons are ad- 
dressed to the impenitent. 

16. You ought not to say so much about 
baptism. 

17. You don't preach enough on baptism. 

18. You have too much of hell-fire and 
brimstone and awful things in your sermons. 

19. You preach too often about tempe- 
rance. 

20. You show too little interest in the 
temperance cause. 

21. You hadn't ought to bring slavery 
into the pulpit. 

22. It is wrong for you not to preach 
more against slavery. 

23. Your sermons are too long. 

24. You preach too short. 

25. You don't take interest enough in the 
Sabbath school. 

26. You do very wrong in voting; a min- 
ister has no business to meddle with politics. 

27. I am tired of hearing your written ser- 
mons. 

28. You ought not to preach so much ex- 
tempore. 

29. You have too much action in the pulpit. 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



137 



30. You holler too much in preaching, for 
our folks ain't deaf. 

31. You speak so faintly that the singers 
can't always hear you. 

32. You seem deficient in interest for mis- 



sions. 

33. 
ister. 

34. 



You talk too extravagantly for a min- 



You love popularity more than a min- 
ister should. 

35. You hadn't ought to say anything 
against Millerism. 

36. You ought to preach more against 
Miller's delusion, as it is getting into the church. 

37. You are too personal in your sermons. 

38. You scold too much in preaching. 

These are all that I now think of. Thirty- 
eight. That is a pretty large number. I 
wonder if other ministers can count up as 
many. 

May 13. Had a plain, faithful talk with 
deacon R. for neglecting the prayer meeting. 

May 18. Felt more than ever convinced, 

from a conversation with br. K., that my 

course in reference to him has been right. 

His spirit most manifestly proved that he was 

12* 



138 THE UNIQUE. 

in the wrong. Have made his case a special 
subject of prayer this evening. 

June 6. Was sent for in great haste to go 
and see a young man who thought he was near 
death. Found that he was a leading character 
in the club of Universalists in the factory vil- 
lage. Said "he found Universalism would not 
do to die by," and desired me "to pray that 
God would have mercy upon him." Poor 
young man ! His burden seemed great. 

June 15. Have not had much enjoyment 
for several days, being perplexed and harassed 
most to death by the Millerites. Have 
thought of two more complaints; viz., that I 
spend too much time in certain families, and 
am not attentive enough to the deacons. This 
makes the number forty. 

June 16. Attended funeral of Mr. G. 
Died of delirium tremens. His oldest son 
will probably go in the same way, very soon. 

June 20. Exchanged with br. C. Some 
of his people much offended at my plainness. 
Said I had no business to preach so in their 
pulpit. 

June 23. Was riding on the outside of the 
coach to-day from — — to , and as we 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



139 



massed the theological seminary in , the 

Iriver said "he had lost more than $100 by 
he students." He said "they would ride in 
lis coach, and say, 'I'll pay you soon,' and 
hat was the last he would hear of their fare." 
Se seemed to think that it w 7 as very ungene- 
•ous in them, and I found that it had a tenden- 
cy to harden his mind against religion. I wish 
heological students would be more careful 
ibout such things. 

June 27. Am much tried with a young 
)rother, not twenty^one years of age, who has 
ately joined the church, and who feels it his 
luty to call as often as once a week to give 
ne advice. 

"The boy so troubles me, 
'Tis past enduriog." 

jearned from him another complaint, viz., 
hat I am too self-willed, and unwilling to take 
idvice. This makes forty-one. 

July 1. Father M. called again to urge 
ne to preach on election. He says "if I 
lon't preach about it more, the young mem- 
)ers wont understand it, and will become Ar- 
ninians." 

July 8. Met br. T. this morning, in 



140 THE UNIQUE. 

Squire J.'s office. He said, "I wish you'd 
explain Daniel's little horn next Sabbath." 

July 16. Had a long sitting this afternoon 
with br. N., who felt it his duty to talk with 
me " solemnly" as he said, about my extrava- 
gant way of speaking. 

July 21. In church meeting this evening, 
some of the Millerites who profess to be sanc- 
tified, manifested a spirit and temper which, 
in any other persons, we should say showed 
human nature very much unsanctified. 

July 28. Dr. Bonesetter called to-day, 
to request me to preach a sermon upon the 
duties and privileges of physicians. He says, 
"he can scarcely ever get to meeting more 
than half a day, because so many more call 
upon him on the Sabbath than on any other 
day." He says "many professors of religion 
put off calling till the Lord's day, except in ca- 
ses of severe illness." Being superintendent of 
the Sabbath school, he says "patients or no pa- 
tients, he is determined always to be at his 
post there." 

Aug. 7. Was sent for to visit Mr. C, 
who is very sick. For many years he has 
been a member of the Unitarian church in the 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



141 



Forth Parish. He said "he knew that he 
lould not recover, and that he felt the need 
f something more spiritual than Unitarianism." 
?ried to show him the way of life through 

crucified Redeemer. Tried to commend 
im to God in prayer. He would not allow 
ie to leave till I promised to officiate at his 
jneral. 

Aug. 10. Attended funeral of Mr. C. this 
fternoon. The house was thronged, and 

lost all were Unitarians. Mr. , the 

minister, was not present. It was to me a 
}lemn scene, and a solemn time. 

Aug. 19. Was grieved to-day to hear that 
ur Millerite brother T. went to the camp 
leeting yesterday, instead of attending his 
wn meeting ; and what is worse, that he went 
ith his cart filled with cakes and crackers, 
id sold them at a higher price than he does 
t home. How can this brother be sincere, 
id thus break the Sabbath ? 

Aug. 21. Preached this evening in school- 
ouse — a good season. 

Aug. 23. Had a talk with br. G. He 
ays the reason why he is so often absent on 
ie Sabbath is "ill health." He acknowl- 



142 THE UNIQUE. 

edged that he labors harder on Saturday than 
upon any other day. Poor man ! he has pe- 
riodical fits of sickness — weekly ill turns that 
always come on the Lord's day. Dr. Bone- 
setter says, "There is no medicine at the 
apothecary's shop that will cure this Sunday 
illness." 

Aug. 29. Mr. D. called this afternoon. He 
feels very badly. Says "he cannot sit in the 
seats again till some reparation is made." I 
don't see why it is that there is so much quar- 
relling among the singers. It is strange that 
singers don't agree better, for I believe every 
choir quarrels more or less. 

Aug. 30. Called this morning to see br. 
A., who is quite sick, and very low spirited, 
because he thinks he has been too covetous, 
and has not given to the cause of Christ so 
much as he ought to have done. 

Sept. 3. Br. E. told me this evening, 
"that he feels hurt with the editor of the 
, and won't take the paper any lon- 
ger, because there was an article in it last 
week that he don't like." I wonder how 
many subscribers our religious journals would 
have, if all acted on the same principle with 



DIARY OF REV. MR. BARMLEY. 



143 



lis wise brother. I believe the poor editors 
ave most as much fault found with them as 
e poor ministers. I think they had better 
eep a list of complaints, and now and then 
iiblish them for the edification of their read* 
rs. Found out another complaint against me, 
id that is, that I drive too fest when I ride 
>und to visit. This makes forty-two. 

Sept, 30. Have heard two more com- 
laints, viz., that I am too great a dictator in 
lurch meeting, and that I pray too long, 
'hese make forty-four, 

Oct. 9. Had a plain talk this morning with 
r. C, about standing on the meeting-house 
eps, and talking of the weather, crops, and 
Dlitical news, and tried to convince him that 
was not proper on the Lord's day. He 
id "he could not see any impropriety in it." 
:e is a singular kind of a Christian. 

Oct. 16. Feel much discouraged about 
e Maternal Association. Wife says, "there 
ere only five mothers present this afternoon, 
id only one of them brought children, and 
at one brought but two out of her five little 
ies." It is strange, when we hear so much 
►out "mother's affection," that they don't 



144 THE UNIQUE, 

feel interested to attend these meetings, and 
take their children with them, when they know 
their children may derive so much good from 
them. I should think they might spend one 
afternoon in a month for their children's good, 
Nov. 3. This evening commenced a course 
of lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress. Intend 
to go through the book. A large number 
were present, and appeared interested. 



LETTER UPON EVANGELISM. 



145 



CHAPTER XVII. 



LETTER FROM REV. TOBIAS SINCERE TO REV. 
ASA AGAR, UPON EVANGELISM. 



Brookville, June 8, 1843. 
Dear Br. Agar : — Your favor of the fifth 
came to hand last evening ; and as I have no- 
thing of very special importance to occupy 
my time this morning, I have seated myself to 
answer your inquiries as touching evangelism. 
" What do you think about evangelism?" is 
your first inquiry. This, you know, is a pretty 
extensive question, and; I should have liked 
something a little more definite. I can assure 
you I think a great many things about evan- 
gelism, a great many more than I can put 
down on paper in the compass of anything like 
a reasonably long letter. However, in a few 
words, I think favorably of the system. I 
see nothing in the scriptures which militates 
against the propriety of setting apart a class of 
ministers who shall not settle as pastors, but 
preach whenever and wherever they are* wanted. 
13 



146 THE UNIQUE. 

' On the other hand, they appear to me to 
favor the idea. I have looked at that passage 
in Ephesians which speaks of apostles, evan- 
gelists, pastors, &c, and I have also turned to 
some of the commentators, to see what they 
say in reference to it ; and I cannot doubt, but 
that, while some ministers were settled as pas- 
tors in those primitive days of Christianity, 
others labored as evangelists, going hither and 
thither, preaching the gospel wherever Provi- 
dence might open the door. 

Evangelism seems to me to be an useful sys- 
tem, and may be made more useful than it has 
been. It certainly seems reasonable to sup- 
pose that ministers may do much good without 
being settled as pastors. There are many 
fields almost destitute of the preaching of the 
gospel, in which a pious evangelist, by labor- 
ing for a season, may hope to accomplish 
much good for Zion — perhaps lay the founda- 
tion of a Christian church. How many places 
there are where there are Christians enough to 
form a church, and yet where there is no 
church. Now pastors, having their own 
churches to take care of, cannot visit such 
places, and remain long enough to gather these 



LETTER UPON EVANGELISM. 



147 



scattered sheep together, and by preaching 
and exhortation lead them to feel the impor- 
tance of combining their energies, by uniting 
together in the formation of a church. But the 
evangelist can do this, and this he should con- 
sider as a part of his duty. 

Again, evangelists may do good by sup- 
plying the pulpits of churches destitute of pas- 
tors, till such times as they can procure 
preachers as candidates ; and if circumstances 
are favorable, can hold meetings for successive 
days with such churches. 

Again, the evangelist may do much good 
by assisting, for a season, weak and feeble 
churches. Here is a church unable to sup- 
port a pastor, and the brethren feel dispirited, 
and are mourning over their low estate. Now 
let a faithful, devoted evangelist come among 
them, and it will be like the " coming of Ti- 
tus." He will " comfort those that are cast 
down," and through his labors that church 
may arise and "put on her beautiful garments." 
God may so bless his work among them that 
the church may be greatly increased, and be 
abundantly able to support a pastor. Such 
has been the case. Such a result has been 
accomplished. 



148 THE UNIQUE. 

And then again, it frequently happens that 
in a season of revival the pastor cannot preach 
and labor as much as the necessity of the case 
demands ; and here the evangelist may do good 
by lending the helping hand, for there cannot 
be any reasonable objection, under such cir- 
cumstances, to requesting the aid of the evan- 
gelist, that he may labor with the pastor as 
long as may be deemed advisable. Surely, 
this is as well as it is for another pastor to 
leave his own flock, and labor with his brother 
under such circumstances. This is often 
done, and no one objects to it. Why then 
object to the assistance of the minister who 
has no pastoral charge ? Truly, it seems to 
me preferable to engage the latter, as he can 
remain longer if desirable, than is often possible 
for the former. 

And once more, the evangelist may do good 
by holding meetings of days and weeks with 
churches where he is requested so to do. It 
is often the case that a church is anxious to 
make some special effort, by engaging in a se- 
ries of religious meetings. Many of the breth- 
ren feel it deeply impressed upon their minds 
that, considering their situation, such a course 



LEJTEK UrUIN £ V AJM UE J.1S1YI. 



would prove eminently useful. They know 
it cannot be expected of their own minister to 
preach day after day, and it is often very dif- 
ficult to obtain other settled ministers to do it. 
Then let the man who is confined to no church 
come in and work. Call in the pious, humble 
evangelist, and let him preach day and night, 
as long as the religious interest may justify it; 
and he, and the pastor, and the church, all 
join together heart and soul, in praying and la- 
boring that sinners may be brought home to 
God. Is there not reason to believe that a 
prayer hearing God will listen to their suppli- 
cations, and abundantly bless their labors to 
the praise of his great and holy name ? Thus 
I think evangelists may do good by preaching 
in destitute fields, supplying the pulpits of 
churches without pastors, comforting and 
strengthening the feeble churches, assisting 
pastors in revivals, and by holding protracted 
meetings with such churches as may request 
their services. Therefore I am in favor of 
the system of evangelism. I believe it is and 
may continue to be a very useful system. 

I think, however, it might be well to have 
something more systematic about this matter. 
13* 



150 THE UNIQUE. 

1 have thought that it might be advisable for 
an association, or conference, or some asso- 
ciated body of churches and ministers, to em- 
ploy an evangelist to labor within its bounds, 
going here and there, as his services might be 
required, he receiving a fixed compensation, to 
be contributed by the churches comprising 
the said body. In this way the evangelist 
would be responsible to the body ; and the 
complaints, now so frequent, that he is making 
too much money, would cease, as his salary 
would be determined by the churches repre- 
sented in that body. 

You next ask, " What is the reason that so 
many ministers are opposed to evangelism ?" 
To this inquiry I must answer that, of course, 
I know not all the reasons, but I will mention 
those reasons which I have heard expressed 
by some ministers, and those which any one 
might evidently infer from the conversation of 
others, in connection with the spirit and tem- 
per they manifested. 

1. Some ministers are opposed to the sys- 
tem of evangelism, because they conscien- 
tiously think that the ultimate results thereof 
will prove disastrous to the stability of the 



churches. These ministers, however, as a 
general thing, object to all protracted meetings, 
and think that the only way for the church to 
be built up strongly is, to move along without 
making any special effort. Many very good 
brethren have imbibed this idea to a greater or 
less extent. 

2. Some are opposed to it because they 
consider it a new thing, and they have made 
up their minds to oppose everything new in 
the church. They are dead set against any 
kind, sort, or species of innovation, and desire 
that everything in the church may remain just 
as it was ten, twenty, or thirty years ago. I 
cannot describe these brethren better than by 
applying to them individually the words of 
Crabbe. 



" Habit, with him, was all the test of truth. 
'It must be right; I've done it from my youth.' 
Questions he answered in as brief a way, 
'It must be wrong; it was of yesterday.' " 

3. Others are opposed to it because they 
are afraid of too much excitement. They 
seem to have a sort of monomaniac dread and 
horror of anything like excitement in religion. 



152 THE UNIQUE. 

While they never hint that there is the least 
impropriety in being excited in reference to 
many of the affairs of this life, they deem it 
the height of fanaticism to be the least excited 
for the salvation of precious souls that are in 
the road to endless ruin. 

4. Some are opposed to it because they 
do not exercise discrimination enough to dis- 
cern the difference between a system, and cer- 
tain men who abuse that system. Say they, 
"Such and such evangelists are vain and 
puffed up ; they are assuming and dictatorial ; 
therefore 1 will have nothing to do with evan- 
gelism." It would be just as reasonable for a 
man to say, such and such ministers are vain 
and puffed up : they are assuming and dictato- 
rial ; therefore I will have nothing to do with 
religion. However improperly certain evan- 
gelists, or certain settled ministers may have 
conducted, that argues nothing against evan- 
gelism or religion. 

5. Others are opposed to it because the 
individuals converted under the preaching of 
certain evangelists, did not manifest that hu- 
mility and modesty so becoming to converts, 
but appeared pert and forward. Here, too, 



LETTER UPON EVANGELISM. 



153 



a little discernment, one might suppose, would 
lead any minister to perceive that the fact of 
some evangelists putting forward the converts 
too much, proved nothing against evangelism. 
The mistakes of the preachers should not be 
set down against the system, any more than 
the mistakes of pastors should be set down 
against settling pastors. 

6. Some are opposed to it because they 
are afraid that their church will sometime de- 
sire the labors of an evangelist, and if, under 
his preaching, there should be a revival, they 
themselves will not have the credit of it. 
They seem jealous lest any one should do 
good among their own people but themselves. 
They act as if they would rather that the sin- 
ners in their own congregation should go to 
hell, than be converted through the instrumen- 
tality of any one else. 

7. Others are opposed to it because they 
are afraid that evangelists will make too much 
money — get rich too fast. It seems to fret 
them amazingly, that a man who preaches 
twice a day for a month, besides attending 
other meetings, should receive a few dollars 
more than they receive for a month's labor as 
pastor. 



154 THE UNIQUE. 

8. Some are opposed to it because this 
distinguished preacher and that learned profes- 
sor are opposed. They have no mind of their 
own about evangelism, perhaps scarcely know 
enough to judge of the merits of the system ; 
but they oppose it with all the strength they 
do have, because great men oppose it. 

Lastly. Others are opposed to it because 
they are afraid that the churches will imbibe 
the erroneous idea that they cannot have a re- 
vival without an evangelist. 

If pastors and evangelists preach the truth, 
and impress on the minds of the people the 
fact that all their dependence for a blessing is 
on the spirit of God, there will be no ground 
for this fear. If they do not so preach, then 
the church may fall into this error, in the same 
w r ay that they would fall into any other error, 
where the opposing truth was not preached. 

Having thus stated what I suppose are the 
reasons which influence many of our minister- 
ing brethren in their opposition to evangelism, 
and having thrown in a remark or two gratis 
about some of those reasons, I proceed to 
your third inquiry. "What should an evan- 
gelist especially guard against, when he holds 



LETTER UPON EVANGELISM. 



Idd 



a meeting with a church for days and weeks ?" 
I should say, 

1. He should sedulously guard against 
saying or doing anything which would have 
the slightest tendency to weaken the hands of 
the pastor. Such, for instance, as making 
any sort of reference to him, either publicly 
or privately, which in any way might be con- 
strued as disparaging to him ; or listening to 
any little complaint that some of his people 
may injudiciously make ; or doing anything in 
the course of the meeting that will look like 
reflecting on his judgment, and thereby rather 
lower him in the estimation of his people. 
The evangelist cannot be too careful in guard- 
ing against everything of this kind ; and he 
should use all his influence to strengthen the 
pastor in the affections of his people, and settle 
him more firmly in his post. 

2. He should diligently guard against the 
appearance of anything dictatorial, anything 
like lording it over God's heritage, as if he 
came among them to command them about, 
they being the soldiers, and he the captain, 
rather than as an humble minister of Christ, 
seeking their good, and the salvation of their 
families. 



156 THE UNIQUE. 

3. He should guard as much as possible 
against the appearance of egotism. I know 
that it is more difficult for an evangelist to 
avoid this, than it is for a pastor, on account 
of the manner in which it is often necessary 
for the former to preach. Still there is a way 
of appearing unnecessarily egotistical ; this he 
should watchfully shun. 

4. He should particularly guard against 
preaching as if the work of God depended 
upon himself. I am fearful that some evan- 
gelists have preached in such a manner as to 
leave the impression quite vividly on the minds 
of the audience, that they, rather than the 
Holy Spirit, were converting sinners. The 
evangelist cannot be too guarded in keeping 
before the minds of the people the fact that he 
himself is nothing, and that all his labors will 
be entirely in vain unless God gives the in- 
crease. 

Thus I believe the evangelist should es- 
pecially guard against these four particulars. 

To your last inquiry, u Do you think it 
proper for an evangelist to insist upon bapti- 
zing the converts where there is a pastor ?" 
I answer, certainly not. That belongs to the 



LETTER UPON EVANGELISM. 



157 



pastor, and no evangelist lias any right even to 
request such a thing. If, however, as has 
sometimes been the case, there should be so 
many converts ready for baptism at any one 
time, that the pastor should request the evan- 
gelist to assist him in the ordinance, I see no 
objections to his complying. 

Thus have I answered your queries, as far 
as I can conveniently in a letter, and have 
made a pretty long letter of it too. So you 
really think of giving up your charge, and 
turning evangelist ! Well, I am not much sur- 
prized, for I somewhat expected such might 
be the case, from a conversation I had with 
your friend, the Rev. William Blithestone, 
whom I met at Shirland, a few weeks since. 

I trust that you are under the influence of 
the Divine Spirit. I presume you have 
thought the subject over and over, and have 
prayed much in reference to it. No doubt 
you have " counted the cost." You know 
you will meet with opposition from many 
Christians and ministers who are now kind and 
friendly towards you. My prayer is that the 
Lord would bless you, and make you a bles- 
sing to others, whether you remain as the pas- 
14 



158 THE UNIQUE. 

tor of your church, or enter upon this new 
field of labor. Be so kind as to drop me a 
line soon, and let me know what fault you find 
with any of the sentiments herein contained. 

Say to deacon Zellebrag, if you please, that 
I received the interesting pamphlet he sent me, 
arid am much obliged. My kind regards to 
Mrs. Agar. 

Your true friend and brother in Christ, 

Tobias Sincere. 



HORSE-SHED COxWERSATION. 



159 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



HORSE-SHED CONVERSATION. 



"A righteous man," says the scripture, 
"regardeth the life of his beast ;" and it is al- 
ways pleasant, when we ride to the house of 
God upon a stormy day, to see that righteous 
men have erected convenient horse-sheds, that 
the noble beast which has safely drawn us to 
the very door of the sanctuary, may find a 
covert from the storm, while we are in the tab- 
ernacle, endeavoring to worship God. 

These sheds, however, are often used for a 
purpose widely different from that which was 
contemplated by their benevolent builders ; 
that is, they are often used on Sabbath noons, 
between meetings, as a place of resort for cer- 
tain brethren who love to congregate there, 
and, in a kind of fault-finding manner, talk over 
the affairs of the church and minister. These 
horse-shed caucusses generally consist of from 
three to five brethren, and, unless the interval 
is very long, they are usually kept up from the 



160 THE UNIQUE. 

close of the morning to the commencement of 
the afternoon service. 

It was a pleasant Sabbath noon in August, 
1839, when br'n. Philip Greenville, Lysander 
Burton, and Eliphalet Watson went into a 
horse-shed back of the old Congregational 
meeting-house in , and engaged in the fol- 
lowing interesting and edifying confab. Philip 
Greenville, addressing himself to Lysander 
Burton, said, 

How did you like the sermon this morning ? 

Burton, Not very much ; I've heard many 
better ones. What did you think of it ? 

Greenville. My opinion is pretty much 
like yours ; I think it was poor enough. 

Watson. So do I. 

G. I wish Mr. Gunn would leave us, for 
he knows there are some in the church dissat- 
isfied with him. I shouldn't think any man 
would want to stay with a people unless they 
were unanimous in wishing him to. 

B. I tell you what it is ; it isn't such an 
easy matter to get rid of a minister when you 
don't like him, as some people imagine. 

G. That's a fact, or else we shouldn't be 
compelled to hear such sermons as we have 



ttUK&fc-SlilSU UUINVLKSAIIUiN. 



heard this morning. I declare it is too bad 
that we can't have a minister we like. I wish 
Mr. Gunn would have compassion upon us, 
and resign. 

W. I think we shall have a change before 
long. We are not the only ones in the church 
who feel discontented. I heard br. Harrison 
say yesterday, "he was most tired of our min- 
ister." 

B. There are not many, though, who feel 
as we do. 

W. There may be more than you think 
for. 

J5. I know pretty w T ell what is the state of 
feeling in the church, for I have talked with 
many of the brethren about Mr. Gunn, and I 
find precious few of 'em that sympathize with 
me. 

W. Why not do something about it in 
some of our church meetings ? Why not 
break the ice, and let the brethren know how 
we feel ? and that will encourage others, who 
now keep their thoughts to themselves, to 
speak out plainly. 

B. Dear me ! Br. Watson, the time 

hasn't come yet for such a movement as that. 
14* 



162 THE UNIQUE. 

G. Oh no — by no means. If we should 
do that, we should have the church about our 
ears amazing quick, I tell you. 

W. What then shall we do ? 

G. "Why we must worry along the best 
way w r e can, till more feel as w T e do. If we 
should say a word about a change of ministers 
in a church meeting, all the old maids and old 
women in the parish would be aroused, and if 
we didn't get our hair pulled, I'm mistaken. 
They would be mad enough to tar and feather 
us, for they think there never was such a man 
as Mr. Gunn. 

jB. How strange it is that people can be 
so bound up in him. Why can't they see that 
he isn't the man for us ? 

G. Why, he is a very pleasant man, you 
know, and that goes a great ways with many 
people. It is astonishing how Christians act 
about this. If they like their pastor as a man, 
they think that's enough, whether he is useful 
as a minister or not. I wonder they don't put 
feeling aside, and have more regard for the in- 
terests of religion. It's so selfish!! 

B. Yes — selfish enough. If / liked a 
minister ever so much, / shouldn't want him 
to stay unless he was doing good. 



nuna^-an^u tu.\ vr,n3Aiiui>i, 



JV. I s'pose many of the people think he 
is doing good. 

B. Well I don't see as he is, if they do 
think so, do you, br. Greenville ? 

G. No — I'm sure I don't. I think this is 
a good field for the right sort of a man, but I 
don't believe Mr. Gunn will ever do anything 
here. 

W. Nor I either — but I did think so when 
he was first settled among us. 

G. So did I — but he preached a great 
deal better then than he does now. He don't 
seem like half the man he used to. 

JB. You can't make some of our folks be- 
lieve that. 

G. I know it — because they are so taken 
up with him they think there can't be any fault 
in him. But if they would let reason work 
instead of feeling, they'd see quick enough 
that he isn't the man he once was. 

W. I heard a man saying the other day he 
thought Mr. Gunn was improving every year. 

G. A church member ? 

W. Yes ; it was br. Hitchborne. 

B. Well, I don't care — for one, I say br. 
Hitchborne and all the rest on 'em may think 



164 THE UNIQUE. 

as they are a mind to, but I am heartily sick 
of Mr. Gunn's preaching, and I am sometimes 
a good mind to ask my dismission, and join 
over at the West Parish. 

G. Oh no, don't do that ; there must be a 
change here sometime or other. I don't be- 
lieve the church will be satisfied to go on in 
this way many years longer. Besides, if you 
should join at the West Parish you wouldn't 
feel at home there, because they keep up such 
a fuss all the time about abolition. I'd rather 
mope along as we do here than be in that hot. 
bed. 

W. Yes — hold on, br. Burton. There 
will be a change here I know, for you will 
find- 
Here this exceedingly sensible and profita- 
ble conversation was broken np by the ap- 
pearance of good deacon Kremlington ; who 
came to request br. Watson to go into the 
meeting-house to instruct a class in the Sab- 
bath school, the teacher of which was absent 
that day. Br. Watson, not wishing to refuse, 
immediately went into the meeting-house ; and 
then deacon Kremlington persuaded the other 
two brethren to go to the prayer meeting, 



HORSE-SHED CONVERSATION. 



165 



which was held every Sabbath noon in a 
neighboring house, for such persons as did not 
go home, and were not engaged in the school. 
Philip Greenville, Lysander Burton, and 
Eliphalet Watson, for some reason, which the 
reader need not care about knowing, were 
"out of sorts," as some people say, with their 
pastor, the Rev. Jacob Gunn, and were doing 
all they could to alienate the minds of others 
from him. We will not say what was the final 
result of their efforts, but simply remark, that 
when a minister discovers the fact that more 
or less of the members of his church, instead 
of being in the prayer meeting, or Sabbath 
school on Sunday noons, are engaged in horse- 
shed conversations, he had better "keep an 
eye to the windward ;" he "must look out for 
squalls ;" the day of trouble is at hand. 



166 THE UNIQUE. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

OBADIAH KEEDLE. 

u A nondescript he is, 
Of such an one you never heard before." 

In a country town of New England, where 
about every other man was either a Major, or 
Colonel, or Captain, or Squire, there dwelt a 
certain genius who was known simply as Oba- 
diah Keedle, or Mr Keedle. This gentleman 
had seen forty-three summers and forty-two 
winters, (at the time we refer to him) and had 
been a member of a Christian church twenty- 
two years. We shall not attempt to say what 
kind of a man Mr. Keedle was, for the best 
reason in the world, and that is, we cannot. 
In him were 

" Centred such strange extremes," 
that it would utterly defy all the powers that 
we possess, to put down on paper a descrip- 
tion of his character. His fellow townsmen, 
however, very freely expressed their opinions 
concerning him. Some said u he was an odd 



OBADIAH KEEDLE. 



167 



man ;" others, "that be was a curious man ;" 
others, "that he was a penurious man ;" others, 
"that he was fickle minded;" others, " that 
he was a hard man;" and others, "that he 
knew none too much." We will state some 
things about Mr. Keedle, and then leave the 
reader to form bis own opinion concerning his 
peculiarities of mind, his traits of character; in 
short, to judge, if he can, what kind of a man 
he was. 

Mr. Keedle had very much to say about 
ministers and churches. He was never in the 
slightest degree backward in expressing what 
he thought about the talents of ministers, and 
their preaching, doctrinal views, habits, ex- 
travagance or economy, behavior out of the 
pulpit, &c. He kept a curious book, labelled 
ministers' book, in which he wrote down all 
sorts of things, for and against ministers. 
What particular object he had in view in keep- 
ing this book and some others, no one could 
tell, as he had never given satisfactory answers 
to any questions relative to the said books. 
He seemed to take pride in showing these 
books, at least so it appeared to us, when he 
favored us with a view of their contents. He 



168 THE UNIQUE. 

was so kind as to loan us these books, with 
the understanding that we might take as many 
extracts from them as we saw fit. Of this 
permission we availed ourselves, and copied 
nearly a third of the ministers' book, and very 
freely from the others. As some persons may 
feel interested to read some of these extracts, 
we give the following from the ministers' book. 
He had made out a list of preachers, arranged 
thus. 

1. "Forcing preachers, who preach as if 
they could force people to repentance. We 
should suppose they were commissioned by 
the Almighty to make Christians. Thunder 
and lightning, storm and tempest, we should 
think, were all at their command to slay the 
rebellious who will not repent. 

2. Censor preachers, who preach as if 
God had given them the commission of cen- 
sors. Forever censuring the church for un- 
faithfulness, and forever censuring dying sin- 
ners for remaining in sin. 

3. Scolding preachers, who instead of 
preaching peace and love, scold all the time, 
just as if the church had abused them, and as 
if sinners could be scolded into contrition. 



OBADIAH KEEDLE, 



169 



4. Fighting preachers, who are forever 
preaching terror, and using all the harsh words 
they can find in the Bible, and all others they 
can think of. 

5. Prosing preachers, who prose over 
nicely written essays. Good compositions, 
but beauty of frost, as Robert Hall says. 

6. Sleepy preachers, who are always lul- 
ling their hearers into refreshing slumbers. 

7. Apologizing preachers, who always 
say, 'brethren I am persuaded better things of 
you, though I thus speak.' Don't mean you 
exactly. You are not the worst sinners in 
the world. You are pretty good. Cannot 
think such refined people can be very bad. 

8. Trembling preachers, who preach as if 
frightened out of their wits. Look wheo in 
the pulpit as if they w r ere afraid some one 
was coming to hale them to prison. Scarce- 
ly dare to say bell. 

9. Long-winded preachers. 10. Bluster- 
ing. 11. Doctrinal. 12. Practical. 13, 
Elegant. 14. Pretty. 15. Eccentric. 16, 
Lazy. 17. Monotonous. 18. Heavy. 19. 
Frothy. 20. Allegorical. 21. Plain. 22, 
Metaphysical. 23. Experimental. 24. In- 

15 



170 THE UNIQUE. 

teresting. 25. Humble. 26. Convincing. 
27. Exhortatory. 28. Didactic. 29. Awa- 
kening. 30. Conscience-troubling. 31. And 
the last, Christlike preachers." 

Here are thirty-one kinds of preachers, and 
to each, more or less remarks similar to those 
given to the first eight, and to each, there was 
appended the name cf one or more ministers, 
who were considered as samples of the kind. 
Many of these ministers we are acquainted 
with, and we believe some of them would 
laugh very heartily if they could get a sight of 
Mr. Keedle's list, and see what sort of 
preachers he considers them. He had the 
names of 150 ministers on this list. 

How, some may inquire, could he have 
heard so many different preachers ? When- 
ever the pastors in his town exchanged with 
ministers, whom he had never heard preach, 
he avails himself of those opportunities to hear 
such ministers. He often visits the cities of 

and , and always arranges his plans 

to include the Sabbath in his visit, and invari- 
ably hears three different preachers each time. 
Thus, since he commenced his book, which 
was fifteen years ago, he has heard many dif- 
ferent ministers. 



OBADIAH KEEDLE. 



171 



In another place, he has the following 
arrangement of what he considers the chief 
sins of our ministers. 

1. "Envy towards other ministers. 

2. Evil speaking of brethren. Inuendoes 
and insinuations against them. 

3. Unhallowed ambition to be thought 
great men. 

4. Popularity seeking. Two kinds, 1. 
The applause of the great. 2. The applause 
of the multitude. 

5. Lording it over God's heritage. 

6. Time-serving obsequiousness. 

7. Spiritual pride." 

In another place the following : "Many 
young ministers know nothing of human na- 
ture, and yet they think they know that and 
every think else, because they have studied 
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. — Have been 
through college and theological school, and 
yet are so inexperienced, and have so little 
common sense, that they are often saying with 
a pompous air, Vll do this; PU not do that; 
/ would not have a church do so ; my people 
shall do this ; my people shall not do that. 
How little do they know of human nature to 
talk in this way." 



172 THE UNIQUE. 

Again: "Rev. Mr. , an orthodox con- 

gregationalist minister, of the city of , told 

me that Rev. Mr. of the same city, and 

same denomination, being a good French 
scholar, is in the habit of translating the best 
French sermons, and preaching them to his 
people as his own. That seems to me like 
deception." 

Again: "Mr. preached for us to- 
day. Never heard him before — I have put 
him down among my exhortatory preachers. 
He is not the greatest man in the world." 

Once more: "Last Sabbath in Boston, 

heard Mr. , the great controversialist, 

preach at Mr. 's church. The sermon 

of this half Ishmaelite was very good. I say 
half Ishmaelite, because his hand seems to be 
against every man, whether every man's hand 
is against him or not." Mr. Keedle had 
another book which contained all the anecdotes 
of ministers he had ever heard ; and in it, 
there were many very curious and interesting 
things. We should like to give extracts from 
it, but our limits forbid. 

He had a third book, labelled church-book, 
from which we should be pleased to make 



many extracts, but three must suffice. In this 
book he says, " The prevailing sins in the 
church at the present day, are covetousness, 
spiritual coldness, evil speaking or slander or 
backbiting, standing aloof from the pastor, and 
unbelief." Again : " Every church in city 
and country, think they are in peculiar circum- 
stances, and need a peculiar minister. Every 
church says they need a man of talents — we 
need a great man — Doctor such a one would do 
for us — but they seldom say, we need a very- 
pious, humble man. I know of two churches, 
that each called two D.D.'s, and each had at 
last to take up with ministers who are not 
D. D.'s, and perhaps, never will be." 

And again the following, which certainly con- 
tains much truth: "A great trouble in our 
churches at the present day, is, lack of knowl- 
edge concerning the tests of our faith. Many are 
so ignorant of what the church believe, that 
instead of being able to defend her doctrines, 
they cannot even tell what they are. The 
pastor seldom preaches upon doctrine, and 
there is no catechetical course of instruction 
to indoctrinate the younger members, and the 
consequence is, they remain year after year in 
15*' 



174 THE UNIQUE. 

the church without increasing their knowledge 
of doctrinal points. Such persons may sus- 
tain unblemished characters, and may pray 
and exhort with zeal, but they are not rooted 
and grounded in the faith, and therefore are 
easily led into error even by pious enthusiasts. 
We do not want head knowledge without 
piety, but we do want it with piety. We 
need both in the church. We need enlighten- 
ed Christians, who not only can give a reason 
for the hope within them, but can tell what 
they believe, and defend their faith by the 
word of God." 

Perhaps one reason why Mr. Keedle had 
so much to say about ministers and churches, 
was, that he might hear what others would say, 
so that he could gather greater varieties for 
these books of his. 

Another thing that we will mention about 
Mr. Keedle is this ; he was a great reader. 
He had a library of about 200 volumes, and a 
very well selected library it was too. We 
have seen libraries of more volumes, that did 
not contain as many choice books as Mr. 
Keedle's. We noticed John Howe, Robert 
Hall, Chillingworth, Charnock, Doddridge, 



and several other old friends on his theolog- 
ical shelf. He said "Hall and Doddridge 
were his favorites." We noticed several of 
the British classics, and among these he point- 
ed to Johnson as the one he " liked to read 
best." We were amused at one of his re- 
marks, which was this, " That if Johnson had 
been a minister, he would have been much 
like John Howe." He had some twenty 
volumes of Poetry, including Milton, Cowper, 
Crabbe, Burns, Scott, Thomson and Pollok, 
and some others. "Cowper and Burns," 
said he, " suit my taste better than any 
others." 

He occasionally did something himself in 
the way of poetry. He has written quite a 
long "poem," as he calls it, upon "death and 
the pale horse," but we believe we will not 
inflict upon the reader any extracts from it. 

The greater portion of the 200 volumes in 
his library, Mr. Keedle has read through. 

We now 7- say of Mr. Keedle, that he was 
very careful to inform his pastor of every thing 
he heard against him. He had one of those 
consciences, which have sometimes been de- 
nominated morbid, and consequently felt it his 



176 THE UNIQUE. 

duty to do many things, which other Chris- 
tians did not feel it their duty to do. Con- 
scientiously did he feel it his duty to tell his 
pastor every thing, no matter how trifling, 
that he heard in the way of complaint. For 
instance, if he heard any one say, our minister 
does not visit enough, or preaches too long, 
or prays too loud, he feels it his duty to go 
immediately to his house, and tell him, and 
then talk with him seriously about it. In this 
way, it must be confessed, he harassed his 
poor pastor more than a little. 

Another thing : Mr. Keedle always told his 
minister very plainly what he thought about 
him ; and as he thought many things about him, 
he had, of course, many things to tell him. 
He would go to him, and say, /do not think 
you do right about such a matter. / think 
you ought to do thus. He felt it his duty to 
tell his pastor what he thought about certain 
affairs, which the good man considered was 
not exactly his business. For instance, he 
at one time called upon him to inform him of 
the fact that he thought his children w 7 ere 
dressed too expensively for a minister's chil- 
dren. At another time he talked with Urn 



OBADIAH KEEDLE. 



177 



very seriously because he thought that he did 
not rise sufficiently early in the morning. "J 
think" said he, "that you will be much more 
useful if you get up earlier." In this way, too, 
he troubled his pastor almost beyond endurance. 
Again : Mr. Keedle was considered by his 
brethren as being very hard upon converts, 
when they related their religious experience 
before the church. He always insisted upon 
their explaining the doctrine of election ; that 
is, expressing those views of it which he en- 
tertained ; and if they could not do so, he 
could not vote in their favor. He would ask 
them such questions as the following. u Which 
is first, faith or repentance ? What is justifi- 
cation ? Are you willing to be damned ? Do 
you believe in particular redemption ? Do 
you merit salvation if you believe in Christ ? 
What is the difference between conversion and 
regeneration ? # How does the Spirit convince 
of sin ? How do you show that it is right in 
God to elect some to eternal life, and leave 
others to perish ?" 



* Mr. Keedle believed that conversion was the act 
of the creature, and regeneration the act of God. 



178 THE UNIQUE. 

And still again : Mr. Keedle, till he became 
a Millerite, was exceedingly anxious that the 
church should be very efficient in reference to 
missions, education, and the Sabbath school. 
He attended every missionary concert, and 
would read the last intelligence from the dif- 
ferent mission stations, and talked, and ex- 
horted, and prayed, and did all he could to 
awaken an interest among his brethren in this 
cause, equal to his own. He exerted himself 
also, in every way he could, for the Educa- 
tion Society. He was very severe on the 
church because they did so little for this cause. 
Although he was somewhat tardy about giving, 
as a general thing, no agent ever found him re- 
luctant to give liberally to the Mission or 
Education Societies, till he became a Miller- 
ite. As for the Sabbath school, he did more 
for it than any other ten members of the church 
united. He would let nothing prevent him 
from meeting his class, and he was a very ex- 
cellent and interesting teacher ; at least, such 
was the testimony of all his scholars. He was 
punctual at the Sabbath school concert ; and 
many are the times that he has searched the 
town, from one end to the other, to hunt up 
new scholars. 



OBADIAH KEEDLE. 



179 



Finally, inconsistent as it may seem, Mr. 
Keedle was ready for every new, exciting 
thing that came along. When anti-masonry 
came along, he went into it at once, and was 
earnest to have every mason excluded from 
the church. He, however, could not carry 
this point. When the temperance movement 
was made, he entered into it heart and soul ; 
and soon, through his unwearied exertions, 
the church became a temperance church. 

When anti-slavery came along, he drove 
into it immediately, and soon became one of 
the strongest and fiercest abolitionists in the 
town. For some time he could not prevail on 
the church to act in reference to this subject, 
but finally he succeeded, and they passed a 
vote "that they would not allow a slaveholding 
minister to enter their pulpit, nor would they 
commune with slaveholders or their apolo- 
gists." 

The next thing that attracted his attention 
was, perfection or sanctification, such as is ad- 
vocated at Oberlin. He heard a man preach 
on this doctrine, and he fell in with it at once ; 
and it was not a week before he was sanctified. 
Then he was very anxious that all his brethren 



180 THE UNIQUE. 

"should secure the same blessing that he had 
obtained ;" and in every meeting he zealously 
exhorted them to seek for sanctification. 

And last of all, Millerism came along, and 
soon numbered him amongst its converts. He 
heard three lectures, and then embraced this 
delusion. He speedily became the most de- 
cided and active Millerite in the church, and 
even went so far as to lecture some in the 
neighboring towns upon the subject. 

His zeal for missions, education, and the 
Sabbath school now died away ; and the only 
things that would untie his purse-strings were, 
Millerite lectures and Millerite books. It is 
true he continued to pay his pew tax, but he 
would subscribe nothing towards his pastor's 
salary, because ."he didn't preach the second 
advent doctrine of 1843." The last thing we 
knew of him was, that he had refused to com- 
mune with the church, because they had voted 
"that the Millerites should no longer preach 
in their meeting-house." Whether his next 
move will carry him among the Mormons or 
not, time will show. Here endeth the narra- 
tive of the indescribable Obadiah Keedle. 

" A man so various that he seemed to be 
Not one, but many men's epitome." 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



181 



CHAPTER XX. 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CERTAIN CHURCHES. 



Colonel Henry Blumford, a member of an 
Orthodox Congregationalist church in Massa- 
chusetts, was a large and somewhat portly man. 
He was called the finest looking man in his 
town, and appeared to great advantage on 
horseback, in his regimentals ; and it would 
not be slandering the Colonel, to say that he 
evidently felt considerable pride in managing 
a high-spirited charger. Some of his brethren 
thought there was too much of a martial air 
about him, and that he cared a little too much 
about military matters for a Christian. It must 
be acknowledged that he did appear to enjoy 
the din of the muster field full as much as he 
ought, but still he was a very good member of 
the church, a much better member than many 
others. 

He was regular at meeting, never made any 
trouble for his minister, and was always ready 
16 



182 THE UNIQUE. 

to do his part in a pecuniary point of view. 
He was worth about $10,000, and gave $35 
a year towards the salary, and never complained 
that his minister received too much. He had 
made himself a life director of the American 
Bible Society, and a life member of the Amer- 
ican Tract Society. No agent ever left his 
house without obtaining something more than 
his good wishes. He took the Boston Record- 
er, Missionary Herald, and several other publica- 
tions, and w T as never dunned for his subscription. 

The Colonel had one bad habit ; he would 
stand on the meeting-house steps while the 
people were passing out. Some said "be did 
this to look at the ladies;" others said u he 
did it to give the ladies an opportunity to look 
at him." 

Nehemiah Nettleville was the greatest talker 
in a Presbyterian church in the state of N. York, 
and he felt it his duty to take a part hi every 
meeting, although several of his brethren thought 
he was mistaken about his duty in this respect. 
He was worth not far from $20,000, and paid 
$25 a year towards the salary. He sometimes 
gave a little to foreign missions, but never to 
any other object. He would not listen to any 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



183 



agent, u because," said he, "men have no 
business to go round among the churches, ur- 
ging them to give to the different societies." 
He talked much about the "many sacrifices he 
made for the cause of Christ," and found 
much fault with the salary that was paid his 
pastor, declaring " that the church was unable 
to pay so much." He took the New York 
Evangelist, but never paid for it till the bill 
was sent. 

Thomas Walkeen was a member of a 
Methodist church in Maine ; and cheerfully 
did he do all in his power for the interests of 
that church. He was punctual at all the meet- 
ings, and labored hard to induce all his breth- 
ren and sisters to act from principle about at- 
tending, and not from mere impulse of feeling. 
He always carried tracts in his hat, that he 
might have them ready to give on every suita- 
ble occasion. He was a kind-hearted, liberal 
soul, an efficient and interesting class leader, 
and was always on hand to assist his minister 
in any labor of love. He took the Zion's 
Herald, and always paid for it in advance. 

Captain Charles G. Sumerton was a member 
of a Baptist church in Massachusetts, and w 7 as 



184 THE UNIQUE. 

considered by his townsmen as a "man who 
lived up to his profession." He was a very 
decided temperance man, and heartily took 
hold of every good cause that came along. 
He was a blacksmith, and by the strength of 
his arm had accumulated $1000. He paid 
$25 towards the salary, which he thought 
ought to be increased, as he said "he was 
fearful that it did not comfortably maintain his 
good minister." He took the Christian Watch- 
man, Christian Reflector, Baptist Magazine 
and Sabbath School Treasury, all of which he 
invariably paid for in advance. Although he 
could not give like a rich man, he never shrank 
from giving what he could to every good ob- 
ject. He had a large soul, and devised liberal 
things. He was one of nature's noblemen, 
both in personal appearance and spirit; and 
grace had made him what nature never could 
have made him — a faithful and fearless soldier 
of the cross. 

Major Daniel Kimbrose was a member of 
an Orthodox Congregationalist church in Ver- 
mont. He was not a very spiritual Christian, 
and was very much engrossed in politics ; so 



K, JJ XV X Jl X -> 



«TXX1.J.TXX> EjXVS VX- Vy XI U XV l^ XX H. .3 . 



much so that he seemed to have but little time 
to take care of his heart, or to attend to the 
active duties of a Christian. 

He grieved his brethren by attending politi- 
cal caucusses, when they thought he ought to 
have been with them in the vestry, praying. 
He was, however, a very pleasant and affable 
gentleman, and generous, as some would say, 
to a fault. He was very kind to his minister, 
and scarcely a week passed but that he sent 
some substantial present to his house. If an 
agent called upon him, he was sure to receive 
a liberal donation without being long detained. 
Some said u he gave to get rid of them," but 
charity will set that down to the account of 
slander. 

Nathaniel R. Buxton, a member of a Baptist 
church in Pennsylvania, w 7 as a very mean man. 
Though worth some $6000 or $8000, he 
never paid more than four dollars a year 
towards the salary. He was mean in all his 
dealings, so much so that he had acquired the 
charming and envied name of mean Nat. It 
is said that his father, who had made much 
money from working a quarry, was just like 
the son. 



186 THE UNIQUE. 

"The father too, a sordid man, 
Nor love nor pity knew, 
Was all unfeeling as the rock 
From whence his riches grew." 

But be this as it may, the son was undoubt- 
edly the meanest man in the town. In the 
church he was continually lamenting that so 
much money should be spent for the salary, 
repairs on the meeting-house, singing, sexton's 
services, oil, fuel, &c. ; and his whole aim 
seemed to be, to contrive how the church 
should get along with the least expense. He 
took the Baptist Record for two or three 
years, and then his name was cut off from the 
list of subscribers because he did not pay for 
it. It is needless to say this man did not en- 
joy religion. 

Darius P. Crumpton was a curious sort of a 
man, belonging to an Episcopal church in 
Rhode Island. He entertained some ultra 
views for a churchman, and would have made 
some trouble, had it not been for the firmness 
of the Rector, who was a very pious man. 
A monthly contribution was taken up in this 
church, for a specified purpose ; and it was 
noticed that on the Sabbath afternoon when it 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



187 



occurred, he was never present. Whether he 
gave any reason for this half-day, monthly ab- 
sence or not, we are not able to say. The 
more pious portion of the church were much 
grieved with the course he pursued in refer- 
ence to an unpleasant political excitement that 
once took place in Rhode Island. 

John Ringdale was a consistent and useful 
member of a Methodist church in New Jersey. 
He felt an unusually deep interest in the Sab- 
bath school, and no man labored more inde- 
fatigably than he did to promote its prosperity. 
He was very particular to have his own chil- 
dren invariably attend ; and if the weather was 
too stormy for them to walk, he cheerfully 
harnessed his horse to his covered wagon, and 
drove them to the school. Of these children^ 
during one year, only one of them was absent 
a single Sabbath, and that Sabbath she was 
confined to her bed with an attack of the croup. 
No member of the church obtained half as 
many new scholars as Mr. Ringdale did. 

Arthur Mildredge, a member of an Ortho- 
dox Congregationalist church in New Hamp- 
shire, was a very humble and sincere Christian ; 
a man who loved to pray. He was worth no 



138 THE UNIQUE. 

property, being a day laborer, and literally 
supported his family by the sweat of his brow ; 
and yet this man paid ten dollars a year towards 
his pastor's salary, and never hinted that he 
thought he ought to pay less. There was no 
member of the church whose prayers and ex- 
hortations in the meetings were more accepta- 
ble than his. He spent the first day of every 
month (except when it occurred on the Sab- 
bath, and then the second) in going round 
among the impenitent people of the town, for 
the purpose of conversing with them about re- 
ligion, and giving them tracts. 

Deacon Isaiah Luvarin, of a Baptist church 
in Rhode Island, was a man who "used the 
office of a deacon well, and was purchasing to 
himself a good degree and great boldness in 
the faith which is in Christ Jesus." He was 
highly respected as an honest man, and it had 
passed into a sort of proverb through the place, 
" that deacon Luvarin's word was as good as 
a genuine bank note." He was engaged in 
business, but his income was not large, amount- 
ing to something like $500 a year; one quarter 
of which, at least, w T as given, in one way and 
another, to the cause of religion. He was the 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



189 



Superintendent of the Sabbath school, which 
made him a life member of the New England 
Sabbath School Union, as a token of their re- 
spect and affection. 

George Delton was ayoung man, and had been 
a member of a Presbyterian church in the city 

of , three years. He was an eminently 

growing Christian, and had far surpassed, in gifts 
and graces, many of his brethren who were much 
older in years, and who for a much larger period 
had been professors of religion. While he felt 
interested in every good cause, the moral con- 
dition of seamen more especially called forth 
his sympathies and efforts. He spent much 
time on the wharves, not as an idler or loiterer, 
but for the purpose of conversing with the sai- 
lor about his soul. Many are the hours that 
he has spent in the cabin and in the forecastle, 
on his knees, praying for the mariner. Prob- 
ably he has spent more money to purchase 
tracts, and testaments, and Bibles for seamen, 
which he would give with his own hand, than 
any other man of his age in the whole country. 
He has the satisfaction of knowing that through 
his efforts many of the sons of the ocean have 
been persuaded to join the temperance society ; 



190 THE UNIQUE. 

have been reclaimed from the paths of the de- 
stroyer ; have laid up money which before they 
threw away ; and have abandoned every vicious 
habit. More than this, he has reason to re- 
joice in the fact that God has honored him 
as the instrument of leading some of these brave 
and hardy men to the Saviour of sinners ; and 
they, now, instead of being a curse among the 
people wherever they go, are ready, as faithful 
Christians, to proclaim the words of salvation 
in every port whither the winds of Heaven 
may waft them. 

Grace Laugton joined the Episcopal church 
in the city of , realizing that she was ta- 
king a solemn and responsible step. The work 
of the Divine Agent upon her soul had been 
most deep and thorough. Subdued in spirit, 
broken in heart, a pardoned penitent, she con- 
secrated all her pow T ers to God, without the 
least reserve. Beautiful and graceful in per- 
son, brilliant and attractive in conversation, 
and possessing a mind of a superior order, ex- 
panded and refined by the most perfect educa- 
tion that our highest female seminaries can 
boast, it might well be said of her, 

" Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, 
In all her gestures dignity and love." 



CERTAIN MEMBERS Of CHURCHES. 



191 



She was capable of exerting a powerful in- 
fluence for good, especially in the circle of her 
intimate friends, which embraced a large num- 
ber of the most genteel and accomplished 
young ladies in the city. And such an influ- 
ence she did exert. Although these young 
ladies thought too much of dress and fashion, 
[hey could not but admire the becoming sim- 
plicity Miss Laugton displayed after her con- 
version ; and she so won upon their feelings 
3y manifesting the kindest and most tender 
Christian interest in their behalf, that finally 
>he was instrumental of inducing some of them 
;o renounce the world, and to walk with her 
n the ways of pleasantness end peace. Her 
nfluence, however, was not confined to these 
voting friends. The Sabbath school and every 
'emale society connected with her own churchy 
md some other benevolent organizations, felt 
he effects of her interest, prayers, and labors. 
Laughed at, it is true, by some of her fashion- 
ible acquaintances, she went forward in the 
Christian path, deviating neither to the right 
tor to the left, and proved before the world 
hat she was what she professed .to be— a child 
rfGod. 



192 THE UNIQUE. 

Miss Martha Ann Belding was a member of 

a Presbyterian church in the city of . 

She was not a useful Christian. The follies 
of a fashionable circle seemed dearer to her 
heart than the cause of the Redeemer. She 
was not a teacher in the Sabbath school, be- 
cause she could not be dressed in season ; and 
she found it inconvenient to attend a little meet- 
ing of praying sisters once a week, in the af- 
ternoon. Her health was so delicate that she 
did not dare to expose herself by going to the 
weekly lecture, or prayer meeting of the 
church, but she did dare to go to a fashionable 
party, and there remain till after midnight, 
where, 

" Practised to lisp, and hang the head aside," 

she could " faint into airs," and then most 
gracefully and expressively " languish with 
pride." Practically, she was not acquainted 
with the meaning of pity, or charity. She 
would read a foolish novel, and weep a profu- 
sion of morbid tears over the fictitious sorrows 
of some faultless heroine, but haggard Want 
and perishing Hunger might appeal to her 
heart in vain. She was very severe in her 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



193 



remarks upon other Christians, and was by no 
means free from something very much like 
slander. Just, or not just, she was called by 
more than one, "a tattling, slanderous old 
maid." 

Mrs. Catharine Skinflint, a member of an 
Orthodox Congregationalist church in Massa- 
chusetts, was a very curious sort of a Christian. 
She was both master and mistress in her house, 
for she had gained such a control over her 
husband, Squire Nicholas Skinflint, as he was 
called, that he did not dare to say a word in 
the house without her permission. He was 
always obliged to tell her where he was going, 
which was, sometimes, a vexatron to him. 
But there was no help for it, as he did not 
have the moral courage to say to his Kate 
what Shakspeare represents one of his charac- 
ters as saying to his spouse of the same name : 

" But hark you, Kate, 
I must not henceforth have you question me 
Whither 1 go." 

Mr. Skinflint was also obliged to give her the 
detail of his business transactions every night ; 
and when he had been fortunate, her words 
were sweeter than honey ; but when he had 
17 



194 TH£ UNIQUE, 

been unfortunate, they were more bitter that! 
wormwood. 

Mrs. Skinflint had a very peculiar faculty 
of appearing exceedingly glad to see company 
when she was not glad. She would urge call-* 
ers to stay, with repeated assurances of the 
happiness it would afford her ; but as soon as 
they left, would say, in a very snarly manner, 
u I'm glad they are gone ; I wonder folks don't 
know better than to stay so long, and keep 
me from my work to hear their gabble. 55 
Thus, to them, her "words were smoother 
than oil," at the same time "the poison of 
asps was under her lips." Mrs. Skinflint said 
"it was a burning shame their minister should 
have such a great salary ;" and she would allow 
Mr. Skinflint to pay only six dollars a year 
towards it, though he was one of the richest 
men in the church. Notwithstanding all this, 
when her pastor called upon her, this lady 
would, in a subdued voice, and toith many 
tears, lament that she did not enjoy religion. 

Mrs. Mehitable Rondout was a member of 
an Episcopal church in Connecticut. She 
was accustomed to visit friends in New York 
city, at least as often as once a year; and she 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



195 



undertook to ape in her town what she had 
seen and heard in that great, bustling Babylon. 
She occasioned many remarks on account of 
her dress, and the furniture' of her house. 
She told fibs, by sending word to the door 
that she was not at home, when she was. This 
very much perplexed her husband, who was a 
plain, common sense Christian ; and when she 
told him cc that people in New York did so, 
and that it only meant she was engaged," he 
very innocently replied, " Why don't you then 
say engaged, so that no one will mistake your 
meaning ?" 

Mrs. Rondout did not govern her children 
as a Christian mother should, but indulged 
them in all their whims and caprices, u be- 
cause," as she said, u she could not bear to 
restrain the little dears." The children were 
all captains in the domestic establishment, acted 
the part of petty tyrants over their mother, 
quarrelled with each other more times than 
ther^were hours in each day, and made the 
house one continued scene of confusion, noise 
and riot, from sunrise to sunset. It was really 
amusing, as well as lamentable, to see these 
minor editions of human beings, strutting about 



196 THE UNIQUE. 

in childish despotism, fully conscious that 
they, and they only, were lords of the manor. 
If Mr. Rondout ever undertook to make one 
of them obey, she would at once interfere, 
and say, "My dear, don't be severe on the 
little darlings." Mrs. Rondout, however, 
was a very kind-hearted woman, and was never 
guilty of slandering her neighbors. She was 
neither a tattler, nor a busybody in other peo- 
ple's matters. 

Widow Rachel Guilford, a mother in Israel, 
had been for many years a member of the Bap- 
tist church in the city of . She was very 

much like the widow Anna, mentioned in the 
second chapter of Luke, only she was not 
"eighty four years" of age, and did not re- 
main in the "temple night and day," but was 
always found in the temple when there was any 
meeting there. She loved the house of God, 
and desired to see it always kept in order ; and 
therefore, whenever it was in the least out of 
order, she would cheerfully work wit* her 
own hands, as she said, "to put matters to 
rights, because it was not meet that the sanc- 
tuary should either be defiled with dirt, or re- 
main neglected." She loved the ministers of 



CERTAIN MEMBERS OF CHURCHES. 



197 



Christ ; the rich and the poor Christian ; the 
high and the low ; all in whom she saw the 
image of her Saviour reflected. She enjoyed 
uninterrupted peace of mind, because her heart 
was fixed on God. She trusted in him at all 
times, and therefore was like "Mount Zion 5 
which cannot be removed." 

This devoted sister was a very useful Chris- 
tian in many ways. She felt the deepest so- 
licitude for the welfare of the church, and did 
everything in her power to promote its inter- 
ests. She was always at the female prayer 
meeting, and regularly instructed a Bible class 
of young ladies in the Sabbath school. She 
originated the Maternal Association in the 
church, and spared no pains to make its meet- 
ings interesting and profitable to the mothers 
who attended ; and she would always relate 
some appropriate little anecdote, to impress 
some moral lesson upon the minds of the chil- 
dren present. "Wherever she went, if you 
looked into her bag, you would see a variety 
of tracts there choicely adapted for general 
distribution. She sincerely sympathized with 
all who were in affliction, and was the benev- 
olent friend of the needy and the suffering. 
17* 



198 THE UNIQUE. 

She was well acquainted with the habitations 
of the poor — the wretched hovels of a great 
city. 

"In Misery's darkest cavern known, 
Her useful care was ever nigh, 
Where hopeless Anguish poured his groan, 
And lonely Want retired to die." 

The coldest storms of winter did not prevent 
this godly woman from visiting the " darkest 
caverns of misery," to administer to the ne- 
cessities of the distressed ; and while she pro- 
vided food for the dying body, she did not 
forget that that body was merely a temple for 
a soul, which would famish without spiritual 
sustenance. Her pastor frequently remarked 
tc that he believed if the Saviour was now on 
earth, he would say of her, as he once said of 
another, c She has done ivhat she could.' " 



CONVERSATION. 



199 



CHAPTER XXL 

CONVERSATION BETWEEN REV. MARK COLE- 
WOOD AND REV. EZEKIEL J. MELROSE. 

It was a stormy and blustering Sabbath 
morning in March, 184 — , when Rev. Mr. 
Colewood drove through the muddy road, 
from Galetown to Yorkland, to exchange with 
Rev. Mr. Melrose. After performing service 
thrice in the sanctuary, he drove back to Gale- 
town, through the same muddy road, in the 
rain and darkness of the evening. Mr. Mel- 
rose had gone to Galetown on the preceding 
day, intending not only to preach there, but to 
remain with his friend Mr. Colewood till the 
following Wednesday. Mr. Colewood being 
desirous of spending as much time as possible 
with Mr. Melrose, thus rode to and from 
Yorkland on the Sabbath. 

Some would say this was right under the 
circumstances, and others would say it was 
wrong. All that we feel bound to say about 
the matter is this : "Let each man be fully per- 



200 THE UNIQUE, 

suaded in his own mind," and act in similar 
situations as conscience may dictate. 

On the following Monday, the storm con- 
tinuing, these clerical gentlemen passed the 
forenoon comfortably seated before a large, 
blazing, cheerful wood fire, in the study of Mr. 
Colewood, talking over many things about 
ministers and churches in that desultory sort of 
manner which, under such circumstances, 
comes very naturally, and is not very uncom- 
mon. We will relate some disjointed portions 
of that conversation, as it may interest, and 
possibly, profit some of our readers. 

Colewood. Have you any Millerites in your 
church ? 

Melrose. Only two, thank Heaven, and 
they are such narrow minded men, that they 
exert but little influence. 

C. I am glad that none of my people have 
yet become tainted with that foolish delusion, 
for I could not have any patience with them. 

M. Oh yes, you could, for you know we 
must have patience with all men, errorisls as 
well as others. 

C. Old Johnny Angell, of Providence, 
used to say, "It is a point that I will yield to 



CONVERSATION. 



201 



no man, that I know as much about unknowa- 
ble things as any other man." So I say I 
know as much about the time of Christ's com- 
ing as any other man, and I know nothing 
about it, and I have no patience with those 
who pretend to know. Besides, I don't be- 
lieve the Millerites are sincere ; that is, the 
great body of them. How can a man really 
believe Christ is coming so soon, and yet 
build him a house with just as much care as if 
he knew he should live in it forty years ; or 
send his ship round Cape Horn on a three 
years' voyage ; or purchase a farm, and tug 
and toil to put it in order ? Fudge ! they 
don't believe any such thing. 

M. You are hard on the poor Millerites. 

C Well, it is time to be hard. Ministers 
have been too easy with them, and the delu- 
sion has crept into too many churches already. 

M. I see D'Aubigne there on your shelf; 
have you read it ? 

C. No, I have not ; I purchased it on last 
Friday. Have you read it ? 

M. Yes, I have, and with much interest, I 
assure you. I could scarcely lay the book 
down till I finished it. I am waiting with im- 



202 THE UNIQUE. 

patience for the other volumes. It is a charm- 
ing history. He portrays Luther's character 
most graphically ; and in fact you have no idea 
of the web of interest he weaves round all the 
prominent characters that figured in the great 
Reformation. 

C. The press eulogizes it very highly. 

M. Have you heard that br. Bangus is 
soon to leave his church ? 

C No, 1 have not. Why does he leave ? 

•/If. He feels it his duty to be an agent for 
the . 

C. Fiddle ! How is it that men who say 
they are called to preach the gospel, can feel it 
their duty to give up the ministry, and travel 
about on agencies ? 

•M. I don't know ; but that is not half as 
strange as some other things in the world. It 
may be they have india rubber consciences, as 
I heard a man the other day denominate pli- 
able consciences. 

C. I should think so. But what other 
things do you refer to ? What do you mean ? 

M. Such, for instance, as everlastingly 
picking upon the minister's wife ; finding fault 



CONVERSATION* 



203 



With her appearance, dress, household manage- 
ment, and in fact, everything she says and does. 

C What in the world made you think of 
that? Do your people pick upon Mrs. Mel- 
rose after that fashion ? 

M. Oh no, not at all. 1 believe our 
church are not guilty of any such mean and 
despicable business, but br. Leston's people 
are at it. He told me himself, and says "if 
they do not stop their abuse he will resign his 
charge, for he will not hear so much foolish 
fault-finding about as good a woman as his 
Wife is." 

C. I have heard something of the kind. 
My people, as far as I know, have nothing to 
say against my wife. They find some fault 
with me, but I believe they consider her a 
very fair sort of a woman. 

M. What fault do they find with you ? 

C. They complain that I am too reserved* 

M. Goodness! That's the last fault I 
should think would ever be found with you. 
What would they say of br. Dillington, if he 
were settled here ? 

C. Say ? He could not remain here a 
month, and pursue the same course that he 
does at Newington. 



204 THE UNIQUE. 

Jkf. I should say you were too free, rather 
than too reserved. By the way, speaking of 
br. Dillington, do you know what it cost his 
people to alter their house ? 

C. Not exactly, but one of his deacons 
said it would be about $3000, as near as could 
be calculated ; and I think it is wrong to ex- 
pend so much, merely to pamper their pride. 

Jkf. What do you mean ? 

C. What do I mean ? Why, was not 
their house good enough before it was remod- 
elled ? It was just as good as it is now, only 
not so modern looking. The only reason why 
it was altered was, to pamper their pride, that 
they might say their meeting-house looked as 
well as any in Newington. 

«M. Not quite so fast. Perhaps they 
thought that if they fitted up their house, and 
made it more inviting, they would stand a bet- 
ter chance of drawing in the people. 

C. Perhaps ! But you and I both know 
that a vast amount of money is uselessly ex- 
pended on meeting-houses, not only in building 
many of them too costly in the first place, but 
in repeatedly altering them when they do not 
actually need it. How much of this money 



CONVERSATION. 



205 



might, with greater propriety, have been given 
to the heathen ! I tell you what it is — -there is 
an absurdity in seeing a minister standing in a 
splendid pulpit, with a large and rich damask 
curtain behind him, pleading for missions, and 
urging upon his people self-denial, that they 
may give the more to perishing idolaters, when 
that people have lavished their thousands mere- 
ly to gratify his and their pride in decorating 
their meeting-house. I am heart sick of such 
things. 

J\L It seems to me you are particularly 
severe this morning. 

C. Not at all. I believe in having every- 
thing decent and comfortable about the sanctua- 
ry, but further than that I believe is unacceptable 
to God. 

M. We think of altering our house this 
spring. 

C. I should think it was time to alter it. 
I was going to say it was built before the flood. 
Why yesterday, when I was preaching, I did 
not know but that I should be drowned out. 
Several had to change their seats, the rain 
came through so. Such an old trap as that 
18 



206 THE UNIQUE. 

ought to be altered ; at least, the leaks ought 
to be stopped. 

Enter Mrs. Colewood, and addressing her 
husband, says, The sexton has called to know 
whether he shall open the house this evening, 
or the vestry. He says Mr. Savage has for- 
bidden his daughters to attend our meeting any 
longer. 

C. Has he ? That's too bad ! He is a 
mean slaveholder. Br. Melrose, which do 
you prefer to preach in, the vestry, or the 
house ? 

M. I don't care which — it is immaterial 
to me. 

C Well, my dear, then tell the sexton if 
it continues stormy, we will hold the meeting 
in the vestry ; but if it clears off, he can light 
up the house. [Exit Mrs, Colewood. 

M. What did you mean by calling that 
Mr. Savage a slaveholder ? 

C I mean that he is a detestable tyrant ; 
an unnatural father, who would hold the con- 
sciences of his children in abject and degrading 
slavery to his own wicked will. 

M. So then, you class him among the 
slaveholders, do you ? 



CONVERSATION. 



207 



C. Certainly I do. He is as much a 
slaveholder as any cotton planter in Missis- 
sippi ; and if I had to be a slave at all, I would 
as soon be a black slave, and toil on a southern 
plantation, as to be the white slave of a north- 
ern tyrant. I consider that there are six dis- 
tinct classes of slaveholders in these United 
States. 

M. Indeed ! Let us hear who they are, 
for I have not thought of so many classes. 

C. Well then, the first class consists of 
wicked men at the South,* who care nothing 
about the right or wrong of slavery, but who 
are determined to retain the system, come 
what will, and buy, sell, work, beat and abuse 
the slaves as much as they choose. 

The second class is composed of good men 
at the South who are kind to their slaves ; who 
think that the Bible justifies slavery, and there- 
fore consider that they are doing no wrong in 
keeping their fellow beings in bondage. 

The third class comprises those good men 
in the Southern states who consider slavery a 
curse ; who believe the Bible does not sanction 

* Mr. Colewood meant to include by "the South*" 
all the slaveholding states. 



208 THE UNIQUE. 

it, and who would do anything that might come 
within their power to abolish it, but who are so 
cramped and restrained by the cruel laws of 
the slave states, that they cannot do anything, 
and therefore are unwillingly implicated in this 
iniquity. 

The fourth class consists of men who live in 
the free states, but who uphold slavery ; who 
plead for it, and who possess the spirit of the 
most brutal slaveholders in Louisiana, and who, 
if they lived at the South, would greedily buy 
and sell their species, and barter in human 
blood. 

The fifth class embraces those individuals, 
scattered here and there in all parts of the 
land, who hold their own flesh and blood, the 
members of their own families, in gross and 
unrighteous servitude of soul ; who, like Mr. 
Savage, take away their liberty of conscience. 
Sometimes a man will hold his wife in this de- 
grading bondage. She will wish to join a 
church, and he, like a base tyrant, will forbid 
it. J knew three men in one town, who thus 
made slaves of their wives. I have known 
Universalists and Unitarians thus to prove 
themselves slaveholders, forbidding their wives 



CONVERSATION. 



L'oy 



and children attending an evangelical meeting. 
I have known even professed Christians who 
were slaveholders, who would not allow their 
children to join other Christian churches. I 
knew one female Christian slaveholder, whose 
twin daughters were converted in a revival, 
and one of them conscientiously thought that 
she ought to join the church where she was 
converted ; but she was compelled by her ty- 
rannical mother to join another one. I con- 
sider the slaveholders of this class the vilest of 
the whole. 

The sixth class consists of abolitionist slave- 
holders. That is, those ranting abolitionists 
who will not acknowledge any man as a true 
and genuine abolitionist who may in the least 
respect differ from themselves. These men 
possess the spirit of the worst despots that 
have ever cursed the earth ; and they would 
gladly put their feet upon the necks of all abo- 
litionists who differed from them, and keep 
them there till they agreed with them in every 
particular. If it were in their power, they 
would establish an anti-slavery inquisition, and 
make every man endure worse tortures than 
were ever suffered in the Spanish inquisition, 
18* 



210 THE UNIQUE. 

who would not sign their abolition creed. 
With such, I have no fellowship, for instead 
of friends, I consider them the worst enemies 
of the slave. They are relentless, implacable, 
persecuting slaveholders. Now have I not 
shown you six distinct classes of slaveholders ? 

M. Yes, I think you have. I like your 
classification much. There are several per- 
sons in my town who may be reckoned in your 
fifth class. There is one man who professes 
to be an anti-slavery man, who will not allow 
his daughter, a young lady of seventeen, to at- 
tend our meeting. 

C. His profession is all hypocrisy, then, 
for no man having true anti-slavery principles 
in his breast, will act the part of a mean, das- 
tardly tyrant over his children. 

•M. Did you know br. Pinkerman had de- 
clared himself an abolitionist ? 

C. I did not, but he ought to have done 
so long ago. I do hope he will be stable now, 
and not whiffle about as he has for the last 
seven or eight years. 

M. I heard a few days since that there 
was trouble in the camp at Barden about anti- 
slavery. Some of the pro-slavery brethren 



CONVERSATION. 



211 



are very decided against the church taking any 
action on the subject. 

C. I hope br. Sherlock won't flinch, but 
will carry the matter straight through with a 
steady hand. 

J\L Not he ! He is not the man to flinch. 
You don't find the word flinch in br. Sherlock's 
vocabulary. 

C If I knew anything about the church 
at Barden, he will have a trying time if he 
don't flinch. 

M. By the way, while I think of it, do 
you ever have any trouble among your singers ? 

C. Oh yes, they have a blow up every 
now and then. 

M. So do ours ; they are quarrelling now 
about one of the female singers. They say 
she has not a good voice for singing second, 
and she insists on singing that, or not singing 
at all. 

C. Our choir had a fight a short time since 
about a clarionet, but I believe they are at 
peace among themselves now. However, I 
presume it will not last long, and I should not 
be surprised if there should be some to leave 
the seats next Sunday, on account of a flute, 



212 THE UNIQUE. 

or bass viol, or because somebody did not sing 
bass right. Oh ! did you know br. Sperry is 
to preach his farewell sermon at Bloomington 
next Sabbath ? 

M. I'm sure I did not. What's the mat- 
ter there ? 

C. Why, the trouble is, there are a few 
brethren who are not edified by his preaching ; 
and they never were edified by the preaching 
of any of their former pastors. 

M. Dear me ! I am sorry to hear it. Br. 
Sperry is a good preacher, and if they are not 
edified^ the fault must be in themselves. 

C There is no doubt of that. There is, 
in many of our churches, a little clan of breth- 
ren who govern the whole concern, and as 
soon as they are the least displeased with the 
pastor on any account, come before the church 
with their complaint " they are not edified" 
and then the poor man must be shipped off at 
once. 

M. Where is br. Briddlebane now ? 

C. He has gone back to the seminary. 

M. I gave him a very plain talk a few 
weeks since. I don't know when I felt so 
grieved with a brother. He has broken off 
his engagement with Miss Marlton. 



CONVERSATION. 



C. Has be? That is too bad. What 
reason does he give ? 

J\L He says he thinks he is not as much 
attached to her as he ought to be to marry her. 

C. Attached to her ! Why did he not 
find that out before ? - 1 should think he might 
have judged of his feelings so as not to let the 
engagement run on so long. Well, was not 
Miss Marlton much attached to him ? 

JYL Very much. The poor girl feels 
wretchedly about it. And I tell you, br. 
Colewood, it is time that our theological stu- 
dents quit this business of trifling with the af- 
fections of young ladies. It is a dishonorable 
and wicked piece of business. How often 
such cases occur ! 

C. I know it. It is high time such busi- 
ness was ended. I was riding in the stage, a 
short time since, with a man who was telling 
of a similar case ; and he was much enraged 
about it, as the young lady was his brother's 
daughter. He was not a pious man, and I 
could easily see that it caused him to look 
upon religion with suspicion. 

M. I told Briddlebane, plainly, that he 
had done wrong, and I think he felt it, for he 



214 THE UNIQUE. 

semed much depressed when he left my house. 

C. Well, he ought to feel depressed. A 
man that will jilt a young lady in that manner, 
a man that will suffer an engagement to go 
on two years, and then break it, because he 
thinks he is not attached enough, regardless of 
the lady's feelings, I say such a man ought to 
be depressed. He ought to suffer, and he 
will, if he has any conscience. Our professors 
in the theological seminaries ought to caution 
the students on this point, and also about run- 
ning in debt, for in certain quarters there is 
much complaint on each of these points. 

M. 1 know it, but the professors cannot 
help it. 

C. True, they cannot help it, that is, they 
cannot make the students avoid these two evils, 
but they can talk about the iniquity of them 
more than they do, and in that way some stu- 
dents may be saved. 

M. Did Briddelbane tell you that his pas- 
tor was having some trouble with his church ? 

C. Yes ; he said they found fault with him 
because he w T ent away so much to deliver Ly- 
ceum lectures, but I did not suppose it would 
amount to anything serious. 



CONVERSATION. 



V\£> 



M. It will amount to something serious, 
unless he stays at home more. But what do 
you think about ministers delivering Lyceum 
lectures ? 

C. It never appeared to me exactly the 
thing for a minister, but if others think it their 
duty to do so, I shall not interfere with them. 
For one, I find enough to do in my church 
and congregation to keep me busy. I have 
no spare time for the preparation of such lec- 
tures. 

M. Nor 1. The fact is, I do not have 
time enough to take care of my people as well 
as I want to. 

C. Did you know br. Genolly was in 
trouble among his people ? 

M. Yes, I have heard all about it, and I 
declare, how many things there are in the 
churches at the present day to try us poor 
ministers. 

C That's a fact. True enough, true 
enough ! And then, too, how many things 
there are among us ministers to try the poor 
churches ! While it is a wonder to me how 
some ministers get along w 7 ith their churches, 
it is equally a wonder how some churches get 
along with their ministers. 



216 THE UNIQUE. 

Here a little rap was made on the door, and 
a little voice succeeded the little rap, inform- 
ing these ministers that dinner was ready. So 
Mr. Colewyod opened the door, and taking 
his little son by the hand, they all three ad- 
journed to the table ; and here we bring our 
protracted chapter to a close. 



REV. T. T. TOMPKINSON. 



'^17 



CHAPTER XXII. 



REV. THOMAS THOMPSON TOMPKINSON. 



Mr.Tompkinson was ordained, many years 
ago, over a church in a pleasant village of Mas- 
sachusetts, " under favorable and auspicious 
circumstances," as the newspapers of these 
days sometimes say. He labored with all his 
heart for the good of this people, a little more 
than two years, during which time they were 
blessed with a gracious revival, which greatly 
increased both the church and congregation. 
Some of the members became dissatisfied with 
the doctrinal views of Mr. Tompkinson, not 
considering him sufficiently Calvinistic, and 
made so much trouble on account of his sup- 
posed heresy, that he resigned his charge of 
the church, and removed to the seaport town 
of , in Maine. Here he labored diligent- 
ly for three years ; and although there was no 
special revival, he had the pleasure of adding 
some thirty-five or forty to the church, who 
hoped that they had " passed from death unto 
life." 

19 



218 THE UNIQUE. 

At the end of the three years he left this 
people, because he was exceedingly tried with 
one of the deacons, who was much offended 
with him, on the ground that he, Mr. Tomp- 
kinson, did not treat him with that respect and 
attention which he thought was due to his age 
and experience. This deacon was a kind of 
an u old betty," and was a very difficult man 
to get along with at all, because he was of a 
very jealous turn of mind, and was continually 
surmising that he was slighted. He had, how- 
ever, considerable influence in the church, and 
he brought it to bear upon Mr. Tompkinson 
in such a manner that he was induced to ac- 
cept a call from the church in the farming 
town of , in New Hampshire. 

With this church he did not remain but one 
year, as he found himself very unpleasantly 
situated on account of the tongues in his parish. 
Those tongues run so fast, and tattled so fool- 
ishly about his house, furniture, wife, children, 
horse, &c, and seemed to be so much in the 
way of his doing good, (for none were con- 
verted under his ministry here) that he was 
glad to get away, and once more cast his lot 
in Massachusetts. He settled in a small man- 



KEY. T. T. TUJlfKIINbU^. 



ufacturing town, where he was comfortably 
maintained, and where his usefulness seemed 
to be increasingly great from year to year. 
His people were very kind and affectionate, 
and everything went on pleasantly and pros- 
perously, till four years and two months had 
passed away, when a certain case was brought 
into the church, of such a character that it cre- 
ated strong opposing parties. Mr. Tompkin- 
son doing as ministers frequently do under such 
circumstances, that is, warmly espousing the 
interest of one party, so grievously offended 
the other, that, from that evening, he saw not 
one single day of peace till he quitted the 
place. No opening presenting itself immedi- 
ately, he removed to a neighboring town, where 
he was engaged in teaching in an academy, and 
occasionally supplying pulpits, for five months, 
when he complied with the invitation of a 
church in New York state to become their 
pastor. 

In this enterprising and thriving young town 
(a city now) he had a better church under his 
care than he had in any of the places where he 
had previously preached. The call was not 
quite unanimous, but the minority that voted 



220 THE UNIQUE. 

against it was so small, that nothing was said 
to him about it in the invitation. He, how- 
ever, had the good fortune to win upon their 
affections in such a manner, that before six 
months had passed they were among his strong- 
est friends. In this place he remained six 
years, preaching the gospel with success, and 
almost monthly adding more or less to the 
church. The congregation increased so rap- 
idly, that before two years had expired, their 
house of worship was razed to the ground, and 
a larger and finer structure erected upon its 
site. As the people had become very much 
attached to their pastor, he probably would 
have remained here much longer than he did, 
had he not become involved in the masonic 
trouble, which was then raging with great and 
exciting violence in that section of the country. 
How he was involved in this matter we are not 
able to say ; but it so seriously affected his 
ecclesiastical relations, that he deemed it the 
path of prudence to retire to another field of 
labor, and accordingly went to Rhode Island, 

and settled over the church in . 

During his residence in this place he was 
very unhappy. As the temperance reforma- 



tion at that time had scarcely commenced, he 
found a large majority of the people addicted 
to the free use of intoxicating liquors. Many 
of the Colonels and Majors, and the Captains 
and Squires of the town were confirmed drunk- 
ards ; and what was still more shocking to his 
feelings, several of his church members were 
drunkards. Even one of his deacons was a 
rum seller as well as a rum drinker, presenting 
the interesting consistency of serving at the 
Lord's table on the communion Sabbath, and 
the next day serving at the devil's table, by 
standing behind his counter, and dealing out 
his drams of diluted New England rum to rag- 
ged, filthy sots, who appeared, indeed, in the 
external form of men, but who lived and died 
like brutes. The good man could not stand 
all this. Although he had seen rum drinking 
and rum selling in other places where he had 
labored, he had never seen them on this wise 
before ; he had never seen them carried on so 
extensively as in this same town of Rhode 
Island, and therefore he gave something more 
than slight hints about the matter, repeatedly, 
from the pulpit. This produced a tremendous 
uproar in the church, but Mr. Tompkinson 
19* 



222 THE UNIQUE. 

stuck by, like a faithful soldier, till the uproar 
subsided. He, however, did not feel at home 
here, and his ministry did not seem productive 
of much good. He remained as long as he 
considered it duty; viz., one year and nine 
months, and then crossed the state line, and 
took charge of the church in the rich farming 

town of , in Connecticut. 

In this place he found the people of God 
quite dead in religion, and disheartened in their 
feelings. They had been for nearly a year 
destitute of an under shepherd, and everything 
wore the aspect of neglect. Mr. Tompkin- 
son, however, went to work like a man in 
earnest. As a strong man goes into a neglect- 
ed field, with a determination to clear it of the 
thorns and brambles which have overspread its 
soil, that it may be prepared for the reception 
of the generous seed, u to give bread to the 
eater, and seed to the sower," so he vigorously 
nerved himself to the task of clearing up this 
moral field, that it might be prepared for spir- 
itual cultivation, and yield the fruits of spiritual 
increase. His assiduous labors as a pastor, 
and his popularity as a preacher, soon revived 
the heart of the people, and ere long a better 



state of religious feeling was apparent. The 
church began to arise and put on her "beauti- 
ful garments ;" Christians awoke from their le- 
thargic slumbers ; impenitent men began to 
inquire the way of life ; and before a year had 
passed, there was a heart-cheering and glorious 
work of grace progressing through the town. 
Upwards of 100 expressed a good hope in 
Christ, as the fruit of this revival. Mr. 
Tompkinson remained with this church three 
years, which under his ministry increased from 
115 to 241. He left this people with reluc- 
tance, in the possession of their highest esteem 
and most cordial affection ; and he would not 
have left them had it not been that his health 
was evidently declining, under his many and 
arduous labors — for he was not the man to 
spare himself in his work. 

He next spent sorce six months in the fam- 
ily of his only brother, in New Hampshire, 
who, hearing of his illness, with a true bro- 
ther's kindness, invited him and his family to 
make his house their home as long as they 
pleased. This man, having an abundance of 
the things of this world, did not consider it a 
burden, but a pleasure, to have his brother's 



224 THE UNIQUE. 

family remain with him. In his house Mr. 
Tompkinson spent many pleasant hours, and 
many profitable hours, for his brother was a 
godly man, and loved to converse about spirit- 
ual things. When the six months had passed, 
Mr. Tompkinson being quite recruited in 
health and strength, again, and for the third 
time, entered the Old Bay state, and was in- 
stalled as the pastor of the church in a finely 
located village on the banks of the river . 

In this village he found a trouble which he 
had never experienced before, and that was, 
a wayward backwardness among the people in 
paying the stipulated salary. In other places 
where he had resided, the salary had always, 
after some sort and fashion, supported him, 
because, though it varied in different places, 
he had determined at all events to live within 
his income, or, as he said, "to cut his coat to 
his cloth." This he had been able to do by 
economizing and managing, as he had always 
been paid quite promptly the compensation 
agreed to be given. 

Here, however, at the end of the first year, 
he found that not half the promised salary was 
paid. Hoping that the people would see the 



REV. T. T. TOMPKIXSOX. 



99/5 



impropriety and injustice of such a course, and 
would pay him more fully and regularly, he 
labored on to the end of the second year, and 
then, finding his hopes unfulfilled, he was com- 
pelled to leave them, as it was impossible for 
him to support his family on what he did re- 
ceive. The church were indebted to him 
several hundred dollars when he left, and so 
great has been their meanness and wickedness, 
that they have done nothing towards cancelling 
that debt, even to this day. His ministry did 
not prove very profitable in this village ; wheth- 
er such was the result because the people 
practised dishonesty in cheating their pastor, 
or from some other cause, we cannot, of 
course, decide. 

He next removed to the farming town 

of , where he remained only six months. 

It was his lot, soon after settling here, to be 
severely afflicted in the loss of his wife, with 
whom he had lived in the greatest affection for 
many years. Mr. Tompkinson considered it 
proper, on account of his children, to marry 
the sister of his deceased wife, especially as 
Mrs. Tompkinson, on her death bed, said 
"she hoped he would, as she knew her sister 



226 THE UNIQUE. 

would prove a mother to her children." Mr. 
Tompkinson thought it consistent and becom- 
ing to marry this lady (who had resided in his 
family several years) in about three months 
after his wife's decease, Not so thought the 
church. Anything, anything but " consistent 
and becoming," said they. Some said, "It is 
wrong ;" others said, "It is shameful." Some 
said, "It is very wicked ;" others said, "It is 
awful." Some said, "He agreed to marry 
her before Mrs. Tompkinson died ;" and 
others said, "Poor woman! I wonder what 
she'd have said if she'd known how soon her 
husband would forget her." A thousand 
things were said, and all kinds of slanderous 
stories were invented and circulated, till Mr. 
Tompkinson, wearied with the number and va- 
riety of the same, delivered a discourse on 
slander, from the words, "The tongue can no 
man tame ; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly 
poison ;" and then resigned the pastoral care 
of the church. 

He soon received a call from the church in 

the old and dilapidated town of , which 

he accepted. I say old and dilapidated, be- 
cause it was one of the oldest towns in Massa- 



REV. T. T. TOMPKINSON. 



227 



chusetts, and many of the buildings were not 
only deficient in paint, but more or less of 
them were in a tumbling down condition. 
However, in this said ancient town there was 
a good church, and over this church Mr. 
Tompkinson presided some four years, with 
mutual satisfaction to himself and the people, 
with increasing popularity, and with a good 
measure of success in the work of his Master. 
The reason of his leaving arose from the intro- 
duction of the anti-slavery question into the 
church. Declining to take an active stand, either 
for or against the abolitionists, he found himself 
in a similar situation to that of a man who should 
be sitting on a fence, while the people on both 
sides were pelting him because he toould sit 
there. The abolitionists pelted him because 
he would not join with them, and the anti-abo- 
litionists pelted him equally severely because 
he toould not declare for them. Finally he be- 
came so sorely bruised with this continual pelt- 
ing, that he preached his farewell sermon, and 
removed to the town of , still in the bor- 
ders of Massachusetts. 

Here he hoped and prayed that he might 
spend the remainder of his days in quietness 



223 THE UNIQUE. 

and peace. He found a thriving church in 
this place, an affectionate and interesting peo- 
ple ; and he began his labors under very plea- 
sant and prosperous circumstances ; and he 
soon had the satisfaction of seeing that God 
was blessing those labors, not only to the edi- 
fication of the church, but to the conversion of 
sinners. Here he continued, happy and use- 
ful, beloved by his people, and increasing in 
favor among the other denominations of the 
town, till some of his church members became 
Millerites. Mr. Tompkinson, believing that 
their views were erroneous and fanatical, felt 
it his duty, as a faithful watchman, to warn the 
people against them. These Millerites were 
of the more furious kind ; and thinking that 
their pastor stood very much in the way of the 
advancement of their doctrine, they were ex- 
ceedingly severe upon him. 

Everything was said against him which these 
deluded men could say. They alleged "that 
he was in the way of the conversion of souls, 
that he was doing more harm than he had ever 
done good, that he was a poor hypocrite, an 
incorrigible sinner, an unfaithful watchman ; 
that there was no salvation for him, and that he 
must go to hell. 



REV. T. T. TOMPKINSON. 



229 



Mr. Tompkinson, not relishing the idea of 
being disposed of for eternity in this summary- 
sort of manner, was as severe upon the Miller- 
ites as they were upon him. The trouble 
finally came before the church ; and Mr. 
Tompkinson, finding that the church, as a body, 
(with some noble exceptions) were afraid of 
the Millerites, and would not come up to their 
duty, as laid down in the gospel, concerning 
those who make divisions and trouble in the 
church of God, declined serving them any 
longer as pastor, and requested his dismission. 

As we have thus acconj-panied Mr. Tomp- 
kinson through these eleven churches, which 
brings us down nearly to the present time, we 
will close this prolonged narrative, by stating 
that he is still living, that he is fifty-seven years 
of age, that he is laboring as a minister in the 
great Western Valley, and that he says, "./ 
have seen enough of New England, and desire 
to spend the residue of my years where less isms 
abound, and where the people are more faith- 
ful to stand by their minister through thick 
and thin, when he labors for the benefit of 
their souls." 

20 



230 THE UNIQUE. 



CONCLUSION. 

And now, reader, it is time to bring this vol- 
ume to a close. We intended to have written 
five or six chapters more, illustrative of some 
things in the religious world, that might inter- 
est, and perhaps profit, but we have already so 
far exceeded our proposed limits, that we think 
it prudent to hasten to the finis. 

Are you a minister? I will not ask you 
what you think of my book, for that is none of 
my business. I shall, however, ask one favor 
of you, and if you are a good minister of the 
gospel, I know you will grant it. I desire 
that you would pray that this volume may 
be blessed to the good of all to whom it is in 
any wise applicable. This you can conscien- 
tiously do, whether you regard it as a judicious, 
or injudicious publication. 

Are you a professed Christian, a member of 
the Redeemer's visible church ? You have 
found two classes of Christians described in 
this book. One class make trouble in the 



CONCLUSION. 



231 



churches, and are inconsistent in their lives. 
The other class do not make trouble in the 
churches, and are consistent in their lives. To 
which class do you belong ? You may easily 
decide this question if you have found anything 
in this volume applicable to yourself; and the 
probabilities are, that yon have found something 
here that comes athwart your track. If you are 
ruffled in your feelings, and with an unkind 
spirit murmur to yourself, " ThaVs too bad, I 
am afraid the writer knows me, and had me in 
mind ; there, he means me again, 1 declare; 
I wish the writer of this book teas in Guinea," 
you belong to the former class. If in the 
spirit of kindness you say, " There, / have 
been guilty of that very thing, myself, and I 
am glad my attention is thus called to it, for I 
will strive to overcome it now, and pray for 
strength to gain the victory," you belong to 
the latter class. 

Christian reader, whatever your course hith- 
erto may have been, it is "my heart's desire 
and my prayer to God," that henceforth you 
may walk only in the "path of the just, which, 
as the dawning light, shineth more and more 
unto the perfect day." 



232 THE UNIQUE. 

Reader, it may be that you neither profess 
religion, nor have any reason to believe that 
you possess it. You may have been some- 
what amused while reading this book, but 
shall it produce no other effect ? Do not 
throw aside this volume with a laugh. That 
will not be wise. Seriously ask yourself, in 
view of all that is contained herein, what is my 
duty as a rational, immortal being, hastening 
on to the judgment seat of Christ ? Is it my 
duty to make sport about evangelical ministers, 
churches and Christians, because there are so 
many things wrong among them ? Or, is it 
my duty, knowing this fact, to become a fol- 
lower of the Lord Jesus at once, and set an 
example before the world of what a true Chris- 
tian should be ? I appeal to the conviction 
of your conscience ! is it not the latter ? 

Dear friend, every devoted minister, and 
every real Christian, will acknowledge that 
there is much in the religious world to weep 
over, but "what is that totheeV Religion is 
strictly a personal concern ; a matter between 
yourself and your Maker ; and if you die in 
your sins, it will avail you nothing, when you 



CONCLUSION. 



233 



stand at the highest tribunal in the universe, to 
plead, on your own behalf, the faults of Chris- 
tians. It will not affect the case between you 
and your God in the least, if every professing 
Christian now on earth should prove an arrant 
hypocrite, and sink down to hell. Remember, 
then, that if you permit the day of your proba- 
tion to pass without securing an interest in the 
"great salvation," it will afford no relief to 
your lost spirit in the dismal prison of despair, 
to reflect upon the faults of Christians. 

Then you may curse the memory of that 
minister who failed to declare the whole coun- 
sel of God, but will that assuage the anguish of 
the flame which will never be quenched ? 
Then you may bitterly curse the memory of 
that Christian who never warned you to "flee 
from the w 7 rath to come," but will that ease 
one pang of the worm which will never die ? 
Say, thinking man, will these things mitigate 
your sufferings then ? Religion is a personal 
concern ; you will believe it then, if you do 
not now ; but alas ! too late. Oh, stop now, 
in your downward course ; think, act, fly to the 
Redeemer of sinners. Tarry not, haste, es- 
20* 



234 THE UNIQUE. 

cape for thy life, lest thou " fulfil the judgment 
of the wicked, and judgment and justice take 
hold on thee ; then a great ransom cannot de- 
liver thee." 



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